Technologies for sanitizing medical devices

ABSTRACT

Technologies for sanitizing medical devices are described. In particular, sanitizing systems, components of sanitizing systems, and methods for sanitizing medical devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment are described. In embodiments, the sanitizing systems include a sanitizing gas generator and a base including at least one exhaust port and a filter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/013,280 filed Sep. 4, 2020, which is a national stage entry of andclaims priority to International (PCT) Application No. PCT/US20/023631,filed Mar. 19, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/979,551, filed Feb. 21, 2020, U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/896,117 filed Sep. 5, 2019, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/820,624, filed Mar. 19, 2019, the entire content ofeach of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to technologies for sanitizingmedical devices, including but not limited to medical and other devicesthat include a hose. In particular, the present disclosure relates totechnologies for sanitizing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)equipment, such as CPAP devices and components thereof. Components ofsuch systems and methods of sanitizing a medical device are alsodescribed.

BACKGROUND

Sleep apnea is often treated with continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) equipment, such as a CPAP device. A CPAP device can addresssymptoms of sleep apnea (e.g., reduced oxygen levels in the blood, sleeploss, etc.) by delivering a stream of pressurized air through a hose toa nasal pillow or facemask surrounding a user's nose. By blowing air ata prescribed pressure for a user, the CPAP device can help keep theuser's breathing passageways open and unobstructed as the user sleeps.

Many CPAP devices include a water reservoir that adds humidity to airthat is blown into the user's nose or mouth during use of the device. Awarm and humid environment may therefore be present in variouscomponents of a CPAP device, such as the water reservoir, hose, facemaskand/or nasal pillow. Such an environment can facilitate the maintenanceand/or growth of bacteria and other pathogens, potentially presenting ahealth hazard to the user. Even if a CPAP device does not include areservoir, the growth/presence of bacteria and other pathogens may bepromoted by the fact that a user often exhales into the into thefacemask and/or nose pillow of a CPAP device. Bacteria and otherpathogens may therefore be conveyed from the user's mouth and/or skin towithin passageways within the mask, nose pillow, hose, etc. of the CPAPdevice—where they may proliferate.

Like many medical devices, CPAP devices generally require periodiccleaning and/or maintenance to ensure that they are sanitary forcontinued use. Many CPAP device manufacturers recommend that usersperform daily and weekly maintenance on their devices to prevent growthand build-up of bacteria, mold and/or other pathogens in variouscomponents of the device, such as the face mask (or nasal pillow), thehoses, the water reservoir, etc. Such maintenance may require each partof the CPAP device to be cleaned individually, which many users finddifficult and time consuming. Consequently, many patients resist using aCPAP device, and/or avoid cleaning their CPAP device on a regular basis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of embodiments of the claimed subject matterwill become apparent as the following Detailed Description proceeds, andupon reference to the Drawings, wherein like numerals depict like parts,and in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of one example of a sanitizing device;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of another example of a sanitizing device;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of another example of a sanitizing device;

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of another example of a sanitizing device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one example of a sanitizing devicecoupled to a medical device hose, consistent with the block diagram ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example of a sanitizing devicecoupled to a medical device reservoir and hose, consistent with theblock diagrams of FIGS. 1B-1D;

FIGS. 4A-4J depict various views of one example of a medical device andcomponents thereof, consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4K is a block diagram of one configuration of a sanitizing systemconsistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4L is a block diagram of another configuration of a sanitizingsystem consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4M is a block diagram of another configuration of a sanitizingsystem consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4N is a block diagram of another configuration of a sanitizingsystem consistent with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5F depict various views of one example of a filter cartridgeconsistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A depicts one example of a sealing system consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6B depicts another example of a sealing system consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6C depicts another example of a sealing system consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts another example of a sealing system consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts another example of a sealing system consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9A depicts another example of a sealing system consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 9B and 9C depict another example of a sealing system consistentwith the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict another example of a sealing system consistentwith the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11A-11C depict various views of an example sanitizing systemincluding one or more positioning elements, consistent with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12A is a block diagram of one example of a sanitizing systemcontroller consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of a control system including asanitizing system controller consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of exemplary operations in accordance with anexample method of controlling a sanitizing system consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of exemplary operations in accordance withanother example method of controlling a sanitizing system consistentwith the present disclosure;

FIGS. 15A-15D depict various views of another example of a sealingsystem consistent with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 16A-16G depict various views of an example of a sanitizing deviceincluding an auxiliary fan, consistent with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 17A-17E depict various views of another example of a sanitizingdevice including an auxiliary fan, consistent with the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 18A-18D depict various views of another example of a sanitizingdevice including an auxiliary fan, consistent with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19A depicts one example of a connector unit consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19B depicts another example of a connector unit consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19C depicts another example of a connector unit consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 19D depicts one example of a connector unit with a reverse jet,consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19E depicts another example of a connector unit with a reverse jet,consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19F depicts another example of a connector unit with a reverse jet,consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19G depicts one example of a distal end of a first passageway of aconnector unit, consistent with the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 depicts another example of a connector unit consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 21 depicts another example of a connector unit consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 22A-22G depict various views of another example of a sealingsystem consistent with the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 23A and 23B schematically illustrate the operation of one exampleof a hose detection sensor consistent with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

CPAP and other medical devices often require varying degrees ofcleaning, disinfection, and/or sterilization so that they are sanitaryto use. While there are various known methods for cleaning andsanitizing medical devices such as CPAP devices, such methods are oftenconsidered inconvenient, messy, and/or time-consuming Consequently,users often resist cleaning CPAP and other medical devices or rushthrough cleaning protocols, potentially leading to inadequatesanitization.

Systems for sanitizing CPAP and other medical devices with a sanitizinggas such as ozone (O₃) have been developed. Although such systems caneffectively sanitize CPAP and other medical devices, leakage of thesanitizing gas from the sanitizing system may expose the user to thesanitizing gas. Likewise, a user may be exposed to the sanitizing gas ifa sanitization cycle is executed while the sanitizing system is in anunsafe condition. Exposure to the sanitizing gas may present a healthhazard to the user, and thus should be avoided.

Existing sanitization systems may be configured such that parts of themedical devices or components may be obscured during a sanitizationcycle. For example, portions of components within a sanitizing chambermay be obscured at the point(s) where they touch another component, thewalls of the chamber, or the bottom of the chamber. Obscured portions ofsuch components may not be exposed or may be insufficiently exposed tothe sanitizing gas during a sanitization cycle—potentially leading toinadequate sanitization thereof.

Some sanitizing systems are configured to deliver a sanitizing agentsuch as a sanitizing gas to multiple parts of a medical device. In someinstances, however, it may not be necessary to distribute the sanitizingagent/gas to one or more of the parts of a medical device while stillsanitizing other parts of the medical device. For example, many CPAPdevices do not include a reservoir. As the growth and/or presence ofbacteria and other pathogens in a CPAP device that does not include areservoir may be limited, introduction of a sanitizing agent such as asanitizing gas into such a CPAP device may not be needed. But it maystill be desirable to sanitize a CPAP hose and/or mask that fluidlycouple to the CPAP device for the reasons discussed above. With that inmind, aspects of the present disclosure relates to technologies fordistributing a sanitization agent such as a sanitizing gas into a subsetof components of medical device, such as CPAP equipment. In embodimentsthe systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to systems andmethods for sanitizing CPAP equipment including a CPAP device, a CPAPhose, and optionally a CPAP mask. Such systems and methods enable thedistribution of a sanitizing agent such as a sanitizing gas into theCPAP hose and optionally a CPAP mask, while limiting or even preventingdistribution of the sanitizing agent into the CPAP device.

The present disclosure also relates to technologies for sanitizing CPAPand other medical devices with a sanitizing gas. As will be describedbelow, the technologies of the present disclosure may include one ormore safety features that hinder or prevent leakage of the sanitizinggas, and/or execution of a sanitization cycle while a sanitizing deviceis in an unsafe condition. The technologies of the present disclosuremay also include one or more positioning elements configured tofacilitate or enhance exposure of components of a medical device to thesanitizing gas. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure relateto various improvements to a sanitizing system, including improvedsanitizing chambers, improved sanitizing gas filters, improved sealingsystems, improved sanitizing controllers, improved control methods, andcombinations thereof.

Although the technologies described herein can be used with manysanitizing gases, the present disclosure focuses on the use of ozone asa sanitizing gas. This is because ozone (O₃) gas is an effectivesanitizer yet is relatively safe for consumer use. Because of itsstrongly oxidizing properties, ozone can effectively kill or otherwiseremove a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants such asyeasts, bacteria, molds, viruses, other pathogens, and/or pollutantswith which it comes into contact, e.g., via oxidation. Naturally overtime and/or as it oxidizes contaminants, ozone may be chemically reducedto oxygen (O₂), which is safe for human consumption and for release intothe environment. Ozone is also relatively easy to generate on site (andthus does not require the use of a storage tank), and leaves little orno chemical residue. For those and other reasons, ozone has beenidentified as a safe and effective sanitizing gas for use in the presentdisclosure. It should be understood, however, that the technologiesdescribed herein are not limited to the use of ozone and may be employedwith a wide variety of sanitizing agents/gases.

For the sake of illustration and ease of understanding the presentdisclosure illustrates and describes various sanitizing systems in aconfigured state, i.e., in which they are coupled to one or morecomponents of a medical device (e.g., a CPAP hose, CPAP mask, CPAPreservoir, etc.). The present disclosure is not limited to suchconfigurations, and encompasses each individual component of asanitizing system (e.g., a base, sanitizing chamber, sanitizing gasgenerator, filter, sealing system, etc.) independent of any connectionwith a medical device such as a CPAP hose, CPAP reservoir, and the like.Put differently, the term “sanitizing system” encompasses embodiments inwhich a medical device (e.g., hose, reservoir, etc.) is coupled to oneor more other components (e.g. a base, sanitizing chamber, distributionline, etc.), and embodiments in which such components are not coupled toa medical device.

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates one example of a system 100 forsanitizing a medical device with a sanitizing gas. As shown, system 100includes an ozone operating system 101, a sanitizing chamber 103, and anexhaust port 105. The ozone operating system 101 is coupled to adistribution line 107, which in turn is coupled to a proximal end 111 ofa hose 109 of a medical device. Hose 109 may be any suitable medicaldevice hose, such as a hose of a CPAP device.

During a sanitization cycle a distal end 113 of hose 109 is disposedwithin sanitizing chamber 103, and ozone operating system 101 generatesozone. In embodiments, ozone operating system 101 includes or is in theform of any of a wide range of known ozone generators, including ozonegenerators that generate ozone from air. A fan or pump (not shown) maycause the ozone to flow in the manner generally shown by the dashedarrows in FIG. 1A. More specifically, the ozone flows from ozoneoperating system 101 into the distribution line 107 and then into thehose 109, where it will sanitize the interior of the hose 109. Remainingozone is conveyed into the sanitizing chamber 103, where it willsanitize the interior of sanitizing chamber 103 and any medical devices,components, etc., therein (e.g., a CPAP mask). The sanitization cyclemay continue for enough time to attain desired sanitization of hose 109,sanitizing chamber 103, and any components within sanitizing chamber103.

During or following the sanitization cycle, ozone may convert to oxygennaturally or in another manner. For example and as shown in FIG. 1A,system 100 may include an exhaust port 105 that may include or becoupled to a filter 115. Filter 115 includes or is formed from amaterial (e.g., a catalyst) that is configured to convert or facilitatethe conversion of ozone to oxygen or another breathable gas. Activatedcarbon and magnesium oxide (either alone or in combination withactivated carbon) are non-limiting examples of such materials, but othermaterials that facilitate and/or catalyze the conversion of thesanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) to breathable gas (e.g., oxygen) may alsobe used. In instances where ozone is used as the sanitizing gas, ozonewithin sanitizing chamber 103 may be conveyed to filter 115 via exhaustport 105 and converted to oxygen, which may be safely exhausted into theenvironment.

FIG. 1B schematically illustrates another example embodiment of a systemfor sanitizing a medical device. Like system 100, system 100′ includesan ozone operating system 101, gas tight compartment, exhaust port 105,and filter 115. Ozone operating system 101 is coupled to a proximal endof distribution line 107, and the distal end of distribution line iscoupled to a connector unit 120. In general, connector unit 120 isconfigured to distribute sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) from distributionline 107 into one or multiple components of a medical device, such as aCPAP device. In this embodiment, connector unit 120 is configured tofluidly couple distribution line 107 to a medical device 129 (e.g., areservoir or other component), and to fluidly couple the medical device129 to a hose 109.

More specifically, connector unit 120 includes a first connector 121(e.g., a first end), a second connector 127 (e.g., a second end), and athird connector 133 (e.g., a third end). The first connector 121 isconfigured to couple to distribution line 107, the second connector 127is configured to couple to a medical device 129 (e.g., a reservoir orother component), and the third connector 133 is configured to couple toa hose 109 (or another component) of the medical device. The connectorunit further includes a first passageway 123 and a second passageway131. As shown in this and various other embodiments the first, second,and third connectors 121, 127, 133) are integral with connector unit120. While such a configuration has several advantages (e.g., allowingconnector unit 120 to be connected in the air flow path from the CPAPdevice while also being fluidly coupled to ozone operating system 101and a CPAP device; eliminating interfaces (i.e., potential leak points)between the first, second, and third connectors 121, 127, 133 and thebody of connector unit 120, etc.), it should be understood that such aconfiguration is not required. For example, one or more of the first,second, and third connectors 121, 127, and 133 may be separate from butfluidly coupled to connector unit 120 or, more specifically, tocorresponding first and second passageways 123, 131 of connector unit120. In such instances the connector unit 120 and the first, second, andthird connectors 121, 127, 133 may be configured to couple to oneanother in any suitable manner, while minimizing or preventing leakageof a sanitizing gas at interfaces there between.

First connector 121 is configured to couple to distribution line 107 inany suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment first connector 121is in the form of a first port (e.g. a first barb or nipple) that isconfigured to fluidly couple to a distal end of distribution line 107.For example distribution line may slip over first connector 121 or mayotherwise be coupled to first connector 121 in any suitable manner(e.g., threading, compression fitting, mechanical fasteners,combinations thereof, and the like). In any case, first connector 121forms part of or is fluidly coupled to a first passageway 123. Thus,when first connector 121 is coupled to distribution line 107, firstconnector 121 fluidly couples distribution line 107 to first passageway123.

First passageway 123 is generally configured to fluidly couple thedistribution line 107 with a medical device or a component thereof. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1B, first passageway 123 includes an open endthat is oriented towards medical device 129. As such, the firstpassageway 123 in this embodiment may fluidly couple ozone operatingsystem 101 (and/or distribution line 107) with medical device 129 and/orhose 109. In embodiments medical device 129 is a CPAP device or acomponent thereof, such as a CPAP reservoir. In such embodiments firstpassageway 123 may fluidly couple ozone operating system 101 (and/ordistribution line 107) with the CPAP device/reservoir. It should beunderstood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited tosanitizing CPAP devices and, thus, medical device 129 is not limited toCPAP devices and/or CPAP reservoirs. For example, medical device 129 maybe a different medical device, and/or may include any suitable type ofreservoir. In embodiments at least part of a proximal end of the firstpassageway 123 extends through (e.g., within) a sidewall 125 ofconnector unit 120. In such instances first connector 121 may beintegral with the first passageway 123. Alternatively, first connector121 may be discrete from and coupled to first passageway 123. In suchinstances first connector may include a fluid passageway that extendsthrough sidewall 125, and which is fluidly coupled to first passageway123 in any suitable manner.

As shown, first passageway 123 extends from first connector 121 to orthrough a first opening in (or defined at least in part by) secondconnector 127. In embodiments, first passageway 123 extends through afirst opening in second connector 127 such that a distal end of firstpassageway 123 extends to within medical device 129 (e.g., to within aCPAP reservoir and/or to below a level of a liquid (if any) containedtherein). Alternatively, the distal end of first passageway 123 mayterminate at or proximate to the first opening in second connector 127.For example, in some embodiments the opening in the distal end of the offirst passageway 123 may be located proximate the first opening in ordefined by the second connector 127, as shown in FIG. 1B. Still further,in embodiments the first passageway 123 may extend through the openingin the second connector 127 such that the distal end of the firstpassageway 123 is located outside of the second passageway 131, as shownin FIG. 1C. In still further embodiments, the first passageway 123 mayterminate within the second passageway, i.e., such that the opening inthe distal end of the first passageway 123 is located within the secondpassageway 131, as shown in FIG. 1D.

In any or all of such embodiments, a proximal end of a second (optional)distribution line (not shown) may be fluidly coupled to the distal endof first passageway 123. In such embodiments the second distributionline may extend such that a distal end thereof is within medical device129. Coupling of the distal end of first passageway 123 with theproximal end of the second distribution line may occur in any suitablemanner. For example, the distal end of first passageway 123 may be inthe form of a second port (e.g., a second barb or nipple), and thesecond distribution line may slip over or otherwise couple thereto inany suitable manner (e.g., by threading, compression fitting, mechanicalfasteners, combinations thereof, and the like).

Connector unit 120 further includes a second passageway 131 that extendsbetween second connector 127 and third connector 133. In the illustratedembodiment, second passageway 131 is defined at least in part bysidewall 125 of connector unit 120, and extends between a first opening(e.g., defined in or at least in part by second connector 127) and asecond opening (e.g., defined in or at least in part by third connector133). In embodiments and as shown in FIG. 1B, at least a portion of thefirst passageway 123 (e.g., a surface of a wall of the first passageway123) may extend within the second passageway 131. In such embodimentsconnector unit 120 may be understood to define a “passageway within apassageway” structure. Thus, in embodiments the first opening extendsaround at least a portion of the first passageway. In such instances afluid (e.g., gas) flow within first passageway 123 is discrete from afluid (e.g., gas) flow within second passageway 131. For example, inembodiments gas flow within first passageway 123 is towards medicaldevice 129 (e.g. towards a reservoir thereof), and gas flow withinsecond passageway 131 is away from medical device (e.g., away from areservoir thereof).

While FIG. 1B depicts an embodiment in which first passageway 123 is atleast partially disposed within second passageway 131, such aconfiguration is not required, and the present disclosure envisionsembodiments in which connector unit 120 includes two or more discretepassageways in any suitable manner. For example, connector unit 120 mayinclude a first passageway 123 and a second passageway 131, wherein thefirst passageway 123 is entirely discrete from second passageway 131.That is, in such instances, no part of the first passageway 123 isdisposed within the second passageway 131. Moreover, while theembodiment of FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment in which both firstpassageway 123 and second passageway 131 are at least partially disposedthrough, within and/or defined by an inward facing side of sidewall 125,such a configuration is not required. Indeed the present disclosureenvisions embodiments in which connector unit 120 is configured suchthat one or both first passageway 123 and/or second passageway 131 aredisposed outside of sidewall 125, and/or are defined at least in part byan outward facing side of sidewall 125.

During a sanitization cycle ozone operating system 101 may generate asanitizing gas such as ozone as described above in connection with FIG.1A. The generated ozone may be conveyed (by a pump, fan, or combinationthereof) from ozone operating system 101 into distribution line 107. Theozone may flow from distribution line 107 into first passageway 123,thereby introducing ozone into the connector unit 120. Once introducedinto connector unit 120, ozone may flow into medical device 129, intohose 109, or a combination thereof. The ozone may be introduced intomedical device 129 in any suitable manner, e.g., via a distal end of thefirst passageway 123 or via a second distribution line coupled to thedistal end of the first passageway 123 as discussed above. Ozoneintroduced into the medical device 129 will sanitize the interior of themedical device. For example, where medical device 129 is or includes areservoir such as a CPAP reservoir, sanitizing gas such as ozone flowinginto the reservoir may sanitize the interior of the reservoir andoptionally any liquid contained therein. In embodiments, medical device129 is or includes a CPAP reservoir and sanitizing gas such as ozone maybe introduced below the surface of any liquid within the CPAP reservoir.Introducing sanitizing gas in that manner may facilitate distribution ofthe sanitizing gas into the liquid and the sanitization thereof. Whenmedical device 129 includes a reservoir that contains liquid, at least aportion of ozone introduced into the medical device 129 may evolve fromthe liquid contained in the reservoir, whereupon it may sanitize theinterior of the reservoir or be conveyed to other parts of system 100′.

At least a portion of ozone introduced into the connector unit 120 willflow into second passageway 131 and into hose 109, where it may sanitizethe interior of hose 109. At least a portion of the ozone entering hose109 will flow through hose 109 and into sanitizing chamber 103, where itmay sanitize the interior of sanitizing chamber 103 and any medicaldevices or components thereof disposed therein. The sanitization cyclemay continue for enough time to attain desired sanitization of medicaldevice 129, hose 109, sanitizing chamber 103, and any components withinsanitizing chamber 103. During or following the sanitization cycle,ozone may convert to oxygen naturally or in another manner. For example,ozone within sanitizing chamber 103 may be conveyed through exhaust port105 to filter 115, which may facilitate conversion of ozone to oxygen orother breathable gas in any suitable manner.

It is noted that FIGS. 1A and 1B depict embodiments in which filter 115is downstream of exhaust port 105, and thus receives a gas flowcontaining a sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) from exhaust port 105. Such aconfiguration is not required, and the present disclosure envisions andencompasses embodiments in which filter 115 receives a flow ofsanitizing gas in another manner. For example, in embodiments filter 115may be disposed within sanitizing chamber 103 and coupled to adownstream exhaust port 105. That is, filter 115 may be disposedupstream of exhaust port 105. In such instances filter 115 may convertozone (or other sanitizing gas) to breathable gas, which is thenconveyed from filter 115 to exhaust port 105.

It is further noted that FIG. 1B depicts an embodiment whereindistribution line 107 is coupled to first connector 121, which formspart of or is in fluid communication with first passageway 123. Such aconfiguration is for the sake of example only, and other configurationsare envisioned by the present disclosure. For example, first connector121 may be configured as an opening through which distribution line 107may be inserted. In such instances distribution line 107 may extendwithin first passageway 123 and/or within second passageway 131. Inembodiments, distribution line 107 extends through an opening in secondconnector 127 until a distal end thereof is disposed within medicaldevice 129 and/or a reservoir thereof. Alternatively or additionally,the distal end of distribution line 107 may be disposed proximate theopening in second connector 127. In such instances a second distributionline may be fluidly coupled to distribution line 107 in any suitablemanner, and the second distribution line may extend from distributionline 107 to within medical device 129 (e.g., to within a reservoirthereof).

FIG. 2 depicts one example of a system 200 for sanitizing a medicaldevice consistent with FIG. 1A. Like system 100, system 200 includes anozone operating system 101, sanitizing chamber 103, filter 115, and anexhaust port (not shown). The ozone operating system 101 is coupled to adistribution line 107 that in turn is coupled to a proximal end 111 of ahose 109 (e.g., a medical device hose, such as a CPAP hose). The distalend 113 of hose 109 is disposed within the gas tight compartment asshown. System 200 further includes a lid 201 and a base 203. The lid 201is movable between an open and a closed position while the distal end113 of hose 109 is disposed within the sanitizing chamber 103.

The base 203 includes at least one sidewall (not labeled) having areceptacle (221 a, 221 b) for receiving an intermediate portion of thehose 109 formed therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the base203 includes four sidewalls, though any suitable number of sidewalls(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) may be used. Moreover, the illustratedembodiment includes two receptacles 221 a, 221 b that can receive anintermediate part of the hose 109, though any suitable number of suchreceptacles (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) may be used.

In general, system 200 is (or, more specifically, lid 201 andreceptacles 221 a and 221 b are) configured to engage and form a sealaround an intermediate portion of hose 109. In embodiments lid 201includes upper seal members 205 a, 205 b, and receptacles 221 a, 221 binclude lower seal members 207 a, 207 b, respectively. In operation theupper seal members 205 a, 205 b and lower seal members 207 a, 207 bengage and form a seal against an intermediate portion of the hose 109.In the illustrated embodiment, when lid 201 is closed the hose 109 isurged against lower seal member 207 a such that lower seal member 207 aforms a first seal with a first (e.g., lower) part of the intermediateportion of the hose 109. Likewise, the upper seal member 205 a is urgedagainst and forms a seal with a second (e.g., upper) part of theintermediate portion of the hose 109. In those or other embodiments, atleast a portion of upper seal member 205 a may urge against and form aseal with a portion of lower seal member 207 a. Upper seal member 205 band lower seal member 207 b may function in the same manner when anotherhose 109 is disposed through receptacle 221 b.

In instances where a single hose is used, one of the receptacles 221 a,221 b may be obstructed with a plug 213, as shown. In any case the upperand lower seal members cooperatively form a seal against theintermediate portion of the hose 109. The seal formed by the upper andlower seal members (with the hose or plug) may inhibit or prevent flowof a sanitizing gas such as ozone from sanitizing chamber 103 throughreceptacles 221 a, 221 b.

To conduct a sanitizing operation with system 200, lid 201 may be movedfrom the open position (shown) to a closed position (not shown). In theclosed position lid 201 causes upper seal member 205 a and lower sealmember 207 a to seal against corresponding parts of the intermediateportion of hose 109, as discussed above. Lid 201 may also cause upperseal member 205 b and lower seal member 207 b to seal againstcorresponding parts of plug 213. A user may then initiate a sanitizationcycle via user interface 211.

During the sanitization cycle ozone operating system 101 generates ozonegas. The generated ozone gas is conveyed (e.g., by a fan or pump)through distribution line 107, into hose 109, and ultimately intosanitizing chamber 103. Ozone within sanitizing chamber 103 is convertedto oxygen naturally and/or by filter 115 as previously described inconnection with FIG. 1A. The resulting oxygen may then be conveyedthrough an exhaust port (not shown) and exhausted into the surroundingenvironment. Sanitizing gas within the sanitizing chamber 103 may bedetected by an optional sanitizing gas sensor 209.

FIG. 3 depicts one example of a system 300 for sanitizing a medicaldevice consistent with system 100′ of FIG. 1B. Like system 100′, system300 includes an ozone operating system 101, sanitizing chamber 103,filter 115, connector unit 120, and an exhaust port (not shown). Theozone operating system 101 is coupled to a distribution line 107. Thedistal end of distribution line 107 is coupled to first connector 121 ofconnector unit 120 as described above in connection with FIG. 1B. Thefirst connector 121 is coupled to a first passageway (not shown), atleast a portion of which extends through sidewall 125 as discussedabove. At least a portion of the first passageway is disposed within asecond passageway (not shown) in connector unit 120, as discussed abovein connection with FIG. 1B. The second connector is coupled to a medicaldevice 129, such as a CPAP device or, more particularly, a reservoir ofa CPAP device.

The second passageway extends between the first opening and a secondopening (not shown) in a third connector (not labeled) of connector unit120. The third connector is coupled to hose 109 of a medical device,such as a CPAP hose. The distal end 113 of hose 109 is disposed withinthe sanitizing chamber 103 as shown. System 300 also includes a lid 201and a base 203, the nature, components, and function of which are thesame as discussed above in connection with FIG. 2.

To perform a sanitizing operation with system 300, lid 201 may be movedfrom the open position (shown) to a closed position (not shown). In theclosed position, lid 201 causes upper seal member 205 a and acorresponding lower seal member 207 a (not shown in FIG. 3) to sealagainst corresponding parts of the intermediate portion of hose 109.Similarly, lid 201 causes upper seal member 205 b and a correspondinglower seal member 207 b (also not shown in FIG. 3) to seal againstcorresponding parts of plug 213. A user may then initiate a sanitizationcycle via user interface 211.

During the sanitization cycle ozone operating system 101 generates ozonegas. The generated ozone gas is conveyed (e.g., by a fan or pump)through distribution line 107, into the first passageway withinconnector unit 120. After it is introduced into the first passageway,the ozone may flow into medical device 129 (e.g., into a CPAPreservoir), into hose 109, or a combination thereof. Ozone flowing intomedical device 129 may sanitize the interior (and/or a reservoir)thereof. Ozone introduced into hose 109 may sanitize the interior ofhose 109. In embodiments, ozone flows from the distribution line 107into the first passageway of the connector unit 120. Thereafter, ozonemay flow into the medical device and/or hose 109. For example, ozone mayflow into the medical device 129, and from the medical device 129 intothe second passageway and then into the hose 109. Ozone within hose 109is conveyed into sanitizing chamber 103, where it may sanitize theinterior of sanitizing chamber 103 and any components therein. Ozonewithin sanitizing chamber 103 may then be converted to oxygen, e.g.,naturally and/or by a filter 115 (or a catalyst material therein) aspreviously described. The resulting oxygen may then be conveyed to anexhaust port (not shown) and exhausted into the environment.

FIGS. 2 and 3 depict systems 200 and 300 as including a lid 201 and base203 that are configured to form a seal around an intermediate portion ofhose 109. While such a configuration has some advantages (e.g., enablinga distal end 113 of hose 109 to be disposed within sanitizing chamber103 while coupled to another component of medical device 129, e.g., aCPAP mask) such a configuration is not required. In alternativeconfigurations systems 200 and 300 may include base 203 with a port (notshown) that extends through a sidewall thereof. The port may include afirst end and a second end with a fluid passageway therebetween, whereinthe fluid passageway enables the flow of fluid (e.g., sanitizing gas)from a position outside base 203 to the sanitizing chamber 103. A blockdiagram of such a system is shown, for example, in FIGS. 4K and 4L,which are described later. The first end of the port may be configuredto fluidly couple with the distal end 113 of hose 109. In such instancesupper seal members 205 a, 205 b, lower seal members 207 a, 207 b, andreceptacles 221 a, 221 b may be eliminated from system 200. Moreover, insuch embodiments lid 201 may include a lower peripheral surface that isconfigured to sealingly engage with an upper peripheral surface of base203.

In those alternative configuration, the distal end 113 may be coupled tothe first end of the port in base 203. In operation, when lid 201 is ina closed position a sanitizing gas such as ozone may be introduced intothe connector unit 120. The sanitizing gas introduced into the connectorunit 120 may migrate into and through hose 109, through the port, andinto sanitizing chamber 103. One advantage of the alternativeconfigurations is that they eliminate potential leakage points presentedby the use of upper seal members 205 a, 205 b, lower seals members 207a, 207 b. Unlike systems 200 and 300, however, the alternativeconfigurations do not permit the distal end 113 of hose 109 to remainconnected to other components of medical device 129 during a sanitizingoperating. More specifically, when medical device 129 is a CPAP deviceand hose 109 is a CPAP hose, systems 200, 300 permit the distal end 113of hose 109 to remain connected to a CPAP mask during a sanitizingoperation—thus allowing the CPAP hose and mask to be easily sanitizedwithout disassembly. In contrast, in the alternative configurations thedistal end 113 of hose 109 is coupled to the port in base 203. Thus,prior to conducting a sanitizing operation, the distal end 113 of hose109 is decoupled from other components of medical device 129 (e.g., aCPAP mask) and coupled to the port. Regardless, using the alternativeconfigurations sanitization of the CPAP mask can still be easily andefficiently achieved by placing the CPAP mask within sanitizing chamberduring a sanitizing operation and connecting the distal end of hose 109to the port in base 203.

Systems 200, 300 can effectively sanitize various components of amedical device, including but not limited to a hose 109, a mask(optionally attached to hose 109), a medical device 129 (e.g., areservoir such as a CPAP reservoir), and/or components disposed within asanitizing chamber 103. Due to the nature of the sanitizing gas,however, it may be desirable to limit, avoid, or prevent the release ofsanitizing gas into the surrounding environment, and/or to prevent auser from inhaling or otherwise being exposed to the sanitizing gas.Unintentional release, inhalation and/or exposure may result, forexample due to leakage of the sanitizing gas from one or more componentsof the sanitizing system, leakage of the sanitizing gas at one or moreseals of the sanitizing system, and/or user operation of the sanitizingsystem while the system is in an unsafe condition.

In systems 200 and 300 leakage of the sanitizing gas may occur due tocomplete or partial failure of the seal formed around the intermediateportion of hose 109, e.g., by upper seal member 205 a and lower sealmember 207 a. Leakage may also occur due to failure of the seal aroundplug 213. Sanitizing gas may also be released into the surroundingenvironment if the system is operated in an unsafe condition, e.g., whenlid 201 is open; when hose 109 is not present within receptacle(s) 221a, 221 b; when filter 115 is defective or not present; when a user isusing a medical device (in the context of system 300); combinationsthereof, and the like.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to sanitizingsystems that include one or more safety features that are generallydesigned to limit or even prevent the release of sanitizing gas into theenvironment, and/or to control (e.g., limit or prevent) the execution ofa sanitization cycle when the sanitizing system is in an unsafecondition. Such safety features include, without limitation, one or moresensors that enable the sanitizing system (or, more specifically, acontroller of the sanitizing system) to detect an unsafe condition,and/or to prevent or disable execution of a sanitization cycle inresponse to the detection of an unsafe condition. Aspects of the presentdisclosure also relate to improved components of a sanitizing system,including improved sanitizing chambers, improved filters, improvedsealing systems, combinations thereof, and the like.

FIGS. 4A-4J depict one example of a sanitizing system consistent withthe present disclosure. As shown, system 400 includes a lid 401, a base404, and a receptacle 407. Base 404 is defined by one or more (e.g., 1,2, 3, 4, 5, or more) sidewalls, and is coupled to or integral with abottom 483, as best shown in FIG. 4E. One or more optional feet 485 maybe integral with or coupled to the bottom 483, as also shown in FIG. 4E.

Lid 401 is coupled to base 404 in any suitable manner, and is movablebetween an open position and a closed position as best shown bycomparison of FIGS. 4A, 4C and 4D. In the illustrated embodiments lid401 is coupled to base 404 via hinge 459, but lid 401 may be coupled tobase 404 in any suitable manner In the illustrated embodiments, lid 401may rotate about an axis extending through hinge 459 as it moves betweenthe closed and open positions as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, respectively.

Lid 401 may be retained in the closed position by a locking system thatincludes closing member 423 and receiver 425, the operation of which maybe controlled by a controller 490. In embodiments closing member 423 isin the form of an electronically actuatable bolt that may be engaged anddisengaged (e.g., inserted and retracted) from receiver 425, e.g., inresponse to a control signal from a controller. In such instancesreceiver 425 may be in the form of a latch, slot, or other suitablestructure that is configured to receive the closing member 423. In someembodiments closing member 423 includes a bolt and a solenoid configuredto actuate the bolt between locked and unlocked positions in response toa control signal, and receiver 425 is in the form of a slot that isconfigured to receive the closing member bolt.

In the locked position closing member 423 may be at least partiallydisposed within (e.g., engaged within) receiver 425. In that positionclosing member 423 and receiver 425 may mechanically interfere,preventing or hindering the movement of lid 401 from the closed to openposition. In the unlocked position, closing member 423 may be withdrawnfrom (e.g., disengaged from) receiver 425, allowing lid 401 to move fromthe closed to the open position.

System 400 further includes a sanitizing chamber 403, which is bestshown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. In the illustrated embodiment sanitizingchamber 403 is defined at least in part by base 404 and lid underside402 when lid 401 is in the closed position. Lid 401 includes an innerperipheral edge (not labeled) that is configured to abut or cooperatewith a corresponding inner peripheral edge (also not labeled) ofsanitizing chamber 403. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, a lid seal 427extends around the inner peripheral edge of lid 401, and a base seal 429extends around the inner peripheral edge of sanitizing chamber 403. Whenlid 401 is moved to the closed position, lid seal 427 is urged againstbase seal 429 to form a first gas tight seal proximate the innerperipheral edge of the lid and the inner peripheral edge of thesanitizing chamber 403. As used herein, the term “gas tight” when usedin conjunction with a seal, means that the seal is configured to preventthe passage of sanitizing gas, or to limit the passage of sanitizing gastherethrough to below a threshold amount over a fixed amount of time. Inembodiments leakage of sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) through a gas tightseal is less than 0.05 parts per million (ppm) over a defined timeperiod (e.g. 3-5 hours), and in embodiments leakage of sanitizing gasthrough a gas tight seal is 0 ppm over that period.

Lid seal 427 and base seal 429 may include or be formed of any suitablematerial that facilitates the formation of the first gas tight seal,such as materials commonly used to form gaskets, O-rings, and the like.Non-limiting examples of suitable materials that may be used to form lidseal 427 and base seal 429 include synthetic and natural elastomericmaterials, such as one or more (optionally low durometer) elastomericpolymers (e.g., silicone), rubbers, and the like.

Sanitizing chamber 403 is generally sized and configured to house one ora plurality of medical devices and/or medical device components therein.In embodiments sanitizing chamber 403 is sized and configured to houseone or more components of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)device, including but not limited to one or more CPAP masks, CPAP nosepillows, CPAP hoses, combinations thereof, and the like. Sanitizingchamber 403 may also be configured to house to other types of medicaldevices and/or device components (e.g., respirators, breathing masks,nasal pillows, combinations thereof and the like).

Non-limiting examples of such devices and components include hoses,tubes, surgical instruments, irrigation systems for sterile instrumentsin sterile tissues, endoscopes and endoscopic biopsy accessories,duodenoscopes, endotracheal tubes, bronchoscopes, laryngoscopes bladesand other respiratory equipment, esophageal manometry probes, diaphragmfitting rings and gastrointestinal endoscopes, infusion pumps,ventilators, combinations thereof, and the like.

System 400 further includes one or a plurality of exhaust ports 405, asbest shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. In the illustrated embodiment fourexhaust ports 405 are shown, but any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4,5 or more) exhaust ports 405 may be used. Regardless of their number,each exhaust port 405 may be sized and configured to facilitate removalof sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) from sanitizing chamber 403, e.g.,during or following execution of a sanitization cycle.

The exhaust ports 405 generally function to fluidly couple the interiorof sanitizing chamber 403 with a filter 500. Thus, in embodiments eachexhaust port 405 extends through one or more walls forming the inwardfacing surface 406 of sanitizing chamber 403. More specifically, eachexhaust port 405 forms a channel for conveying sanitizing gas to afilter 500 from sanitizing chamber 403. In embodiments, exhaust ports405 are configured to enable the removal of ozone or other sanitizinggas from sanitizing chamber 403, while regulating the backpressure ofsanitizing gas within system 400 and/or the flow of sanitizing gas tofilter 500.

While FIGS. 4C and 4D depict exhaust ports 405 in the form of holes,exhaust ports 405 may have any suitable geometry. For example, exhaustports 405 may be in the form of one or more geometrically shapedopenings (e.g., triangular, quadrilateral, circular, etc.), slots (e.g.,ellipse, oval, etc.), irregular shaped openings, combinations thereof,and the like.

System 400 further includes a receptacle 407, as best shown in FIGS. 4A,4B, and 4D-4F. Like receptacles 221 a, 221 b, receptacle 407 isgenerally configured to receive and form a seal around an intermediateportion of a hose of a medical device, such as a CPAP hose. Inembodiments, receptacle 407 is configured to form a gas tight sealaround an intermediate portion of a CPAP or other medical device hose,either alone or in conjunction with a portion of lid 201.

As will be discussed in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A-10B, 15A-15D,and 22A-22E, in embodiments receptacle 407 is defined at least in partby an upper seal member 431 and a lower seal member 433. As shown inFIGS. 4C and 4D, the upper seal member 431 may be defined at least inpart by lid 401. For example, in embodiments upper seal member 431 isdefined at least in part by lid seal 427. In different terms, inembodiments at least a portion of lid seal 427 forms or is part of upperseal member 431. In contrast lower seal member 433 is integral with orcoupled to an opening formed through a sidewall of base 404. Inembodiments and as discussed in detail regarding FIGS. 6A-10B, 15A-15Dand 22A-22E, lower seal member 433 is in the form of a sealing insertthat is coupled to base 404, e.g., by one or more lower seal retentionmembers.

As shown in FIGS. 4K and 4L, system 400 further includes a sanitizinggas supply system. In embodiments the sanitizing gas supply system ishoused within base 404, e.g., below a floor/bottom of sanitizing chamber403. For example, the sanitizing gas supply system may be disposedbetween bottom 483 and a floor/bottom of sanitizing chamber 403. In suchinstances, bottom 483 may be in the form of a tray and the sanitizinggas supply system may be sized to fit in a space between bottom 483 ofbase 404 and an outside surface of the bottom of sanitizing chamber 403(not shown). In any case, the sanitizing gas supply system is configuredto generate or otherwise provide a sanitizing gas, as well as one ormore pumps/fans for circulating the sanitizing gas. In some embodimentsthe sanitizing gas supply system includes or is in the form of an ozoneoperating system that is configured to generate or otherwise supplyozone gas as a sanitizing gas.

Turning to FIG. 4B, system 400 further includes a sanitizing gas outlet453, an input/output (I/O) port 455, and a power supply connector 458.Sanitizing gas outlet 453 is configured to couple a sanitizing gasgenerator (disposed within or provided separately from base 404) to adistribution line, as will be described further below.

I/O port 455 is generally configured to couple system 400 to an externalcomputing device (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, mobiledevice, server, etc.). In embodiments, I/O port 455 is configured tocharge one or more external devices, and/or to receive an electricalcharge from one or more external devices. Alternatively or additionally,I/O port 455 may be configured to allow software, firmware, etc. ofsystem 400 to be updated via wired (e.g., universal serial bus)communication with an external device. System 400 (e.g., I/O port 455 ora controller thereof) may also include one or more wirelesscommunication chips that enable system 400 to communicate with anexternal computing device using one or more current or future developedwireless communications protocols such as near field communication(NFC), BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, WIFI, cellular (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.)combinations thereof, and the like.

Power supply connector 458 is configured to couple system 400 to asuitable source of electric power, such as but not limited to a wallelectrical socket. Of course, system 400 is not limited to embodimentsin which an external source of electric power is used. For example,system 400 may include one or more batteries, in which case power supplyconnector 458 may be included or omitted.

System 400 further includes a filter tray 471, as best shown in FIGS.4B, 4E, and 4H-4J. Filter tray 471 is generally configured to house a(removable) filter 500 therein, and to align an inlet of the filter 500with exhaust ports 405 as discussed further below. Filter tray 471 maybe coupled to base 404 in any suitable manner. In embodiments base 404includes a recess formed in one of its sidewalls and extends inwardlytowards sanitizing chamber 403, as best shown in FIG. 4J. In suchinstances filter tray 471 may be coupled to sidewalls 472 of saidrecess, as also shown in FIG. 4J. In any case filter tray 471 may bemovable between a closed position (shown in FIGS. 4B, and 4E) and anopen position (shown in FIGS. 4H-4J). For example filter tray 471 may becoupled to base 404 by one or more pins, hinges, pivots, etc. that allowfilter tray to move between an open and closed position.

In embodiments the filter tray 471 includes an external surface that issubstantially coplanar with a corresponding external surface of base404. For example filter tray 471 may be coupled to sidewalls 472 of arecess formed in a first side of base 404. In such instances the filtertray 471 has an external surface that is complimentary to an externalsurface of a first side of base 404 proximate to said recess. In thatcontext, “complimentary to” means that the external surface of thefilter tray is shaped and contoured in the same manner as the externalsurface of the first side of base 404, such that the external surface ofthe filter tray and the first side of base 404 have the same or similarappearance.

In embodiments the filter tray 471 has an upper edge 474 and a loweredge 475. As best shown in FIG. 4E, when filter tray 471 is in theclosed position the upper edge 474 extends along and is aligned with anupper edge 476 of base 404, and the lower edge 475 extends along and isaligned with a lower edge 477 of base 404. As shown in FIGS. 4H-4J, whenfilter tray 471 is in the open position the upper edge 474 is out ofalignment with the upper edge 476 of base 404, and lower edge 475 is outof alignment with lower edge 477 of base 404.

As shown in FIGS. 4H and 4I, filter tray 471 further includes tray arms473 a, 473 b. While the illustrated embodiment depicts filter tray 471with two tray arms 473 a, 473 b, any suitable number of tray arms (e.g.,0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) may be used. In the illustrated embodiment,tray arms 473 a, 473 b extend from an outward facing surface of filtertray 471 generally towards base 404 when filter tray 471 is in theclosed position. Filter tray 471 and base 404 may further include aretention system that is configured to retain the filter tray 471 in theclosed position. For example, filter tray 471 and base 404 may includeone or more magnets (not shown) of opposing polarity, wherein suchmagnets interact to create a force (e.g., a pulling force) that biasesthe filter tray 471 toward the base 404 and urges a filter inlet seal(described later) against and/or around one or more of exhaust ports405.

As noted above filter tray 471 is generally configured to house a(removable) filter 500 and to align an inlet of the filter 500 withexhaust ports 405, such that the filter 500 is fluidly coupled to theexhaust ports 405 when the filter tray 471 is in the closed position.FIGS. 5A-5F depict various views of a filter 500 consistent with thepresent disclosure. As shown filter 500 includes filter shell having atop 501, bottom 502 front 503, sides 505 a, 505 b, and back 507. Thefilter shell may be of single or multiple piece construction. Inembodiments the filter shell is formed by or includes a first piece anda second piece, wherein the first piece forms a first part of the top501, bottom 502, front 503, sides 505 a, 505 b, and back 507, and thesecond piece forms a second part of the top 501, bottom 502 front 503,sides 505 a, 505 b, and back 507. The first and second parts may becoupled together to form the filter shell in any suitable manner. Forexample, the first and second parts may be coupled by an interferencefit, press fit, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, combinations thereof,and the like. In embodiments, the first piece includes one or aplurality of fingers that extend from one or more sides of the firstpiece, and the second piece includes a corresponding one or plurality ofrecesses formed at corresponding positions of corresponding sides of thesecond piece. In such instances the fingers of the first piece may beinserted and mechanically engage with the inserts of the second piece,e.g., to form one or more interference joints that retain the first andsecond parts together.

The filter shell is generally configured to house a filter media 515. Inembodiments the filter media 515 is in the form of or includes amaterial that facilitates the conversion of a sanitizing gas such asozone to a breathable gas such as oxygen. For example the filter media515 may be in the form of a reticulated foam that is formed from,includes, and/or is coated with a material that facilitates theconversion of sanitizing gas to breathable gas. Non-limiting examples ofsuch materials include activated carbon and magnesium oxide (eitheralone or in combination with activate carbon), though other materialsmay also be used.

Filter 500 further includes one or more filter inlet openings, a filterinlet seal, and one or more filter outlet openings. That concept is bestshown in FIGS. 5B-5E, which illustrate filter 500 as including aplurality of filter inlet openings 508, a filter inlet seal 509, and aplurality of filter outlet openings 511. While the illustratedembodiment depicts the use of four (4) filter inlet openings 508 andeleven (11) filter outlet openings 511, any suitable number of filterinlet openings 508 and filter outlet openings 511 may be used. Forexample, filter 500 may include one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or more) filter inlet openings 508 and one or more(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or more) filter outletopenings 511. In embodiments, filter 500 includes 3-6 (e.g., 4) filterinlet openings 508, and 1 to 5 (e.g., 3) filter outlet openings 511.

While the illustrated embodiment depicts filter inlet openings 508 ashaving a generally circular shape and filter outlet openings 511 in theform of slots defined by “teeth” in the lower part of a wall 512 offilter back 507 and bottom 502, the filter inlet openings 508 and filteroutlet openings 511 may have any suitable shape and may be positioned atany suitable location. In embodiments filter inlet openings 508 arepositioned such that they align with one or more exhaust ports 405 whenfilter 500 is disposed within filter tray 471 and filter tray 471 is inthe closed position.

Filter inlet seal 509 is generally configured to form a (e.g., gastight) seal around exhaust ports 405 when filter 500 is inserted infilter tray 471 and filter tray 471 is in the closed position. Morespecifically, filter inlet seal 509 is configured to form a seal with anexternal surface of the sanitizing chamber 403 disposed around exhaustports 405, or a corresponding sealing element disposed on the surface ofsanitizing chamber around exhaust ports 405. In that regard filter inletseal 509 may be formed from any material that is suitable for forming agas tight seal. In embodiments, filter inlet seal 509 is formed from orincludes a flexible material, such as a (e.g., low durometer) natural orsynthetic polymer (e.g., silicone), rubber, combinations thereof, andthe like. In embodiments, filter inlet seal may include a flangeextending at an angle from a peripheral surface thereof, wherein theflange is configured to engage and seal with a corresponding portion ofbase 404 proximate the outlet side of exhaust ports 405. As noted above,magnets or other closing means may facilitate the formation of a sealbetween filter inlet seal 509 and a region around exhaust ports 405,e.g., by biasing the filter inlet seal 509 towards base 404 when thefilter tray is in the closed position.

To facilitate the formation of a seal by filter inlet seal 509, filtertray 471 may be biased towards sanitizing chamber 403 when filter tray471 is in the closed position. Such biasing of the filter tray 471 maybe accomplished mechanically (e.g. via one or more springs),magnetically, or in any other suitable manner. Alternatively oradditionally, filter tray 471 may be retained in the closed position inanother, such as but not limited to one or more fasteners, detents, orthe like.

In embodiments filter 500 includes alignment features that facilitatethe alignment of filter inlet openings 508 and filter inlet seal 509with exhaust ports 405 when filter 500 is inserted in filter tray 471and filter tray 471 is in the closed position. Such alignment featuresmay include or be in the form of one or more shoulders that abut acorresponding upper edge of tray arms 473 a, 473 b when filter 500 isinserted into filter tray 471. That concept is best shown in FIGS. 5Cand 5D, which depict an embodiment in which a peripheral edge of the top501 of filter 500 extends beyond a peripheral edge of the front 503,sides 505 a, 505 b, and back 507, resulting in the formation of ashoulder 513 that extends completely or partially around the upperperiphery of filter 500.

As shown in FIG. 4H, at least a portion of the shoulder 513 abuts anupper edge of each of the tray arms 473 a, 473 b when filter 500 isinserted into filter tray 471. In such embodiments the filter inletopenings 508, filter inlet seal 509, shoulder 513, and upper surface ofthe tray arms 473 a, 473 b are configured such that the filter inletopenings 508 and filter inlet seal 509 are aligned with exhaust ports405 when at least a portion of shoulder 513 abuts the upper surface ofthe tray arms 473 a, 473 b and filter tray 471 is in the closedposition. It is noted that the illustrated configuration is but oneexample of how filter inlet openings 508 and filter inlet seal 509 maybe aligned with exhaust ports 405, and the present disclosure is notlimited to such configurations. Indeed, the present disclosure envisionsand encompasses embodiments in which the filter tray 471 and filter 500are configured in any other manner to align the filter inlet openings508 and filter inlet seal 509 with exhaust ports 405.

The shell of filter 500 may have any suitable shape, including but notlimited to a geometric (e.g., triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal,hexagonal, etc.) shape or irregular shape. In embodiments, the shell offilter 500 has a geometric or irregular shape having a width that tapersfrom the top 501 to the bottom 502 thereof, or vice versa. For example,the shell of filter 500 may have a first width (W1) proximate the top501 and a second width W2 proximate the bottom 502, wherein W1 and W2are the same or different. In embodiments, W1 is greater than W2, or W2is greater than W1, such that the filter shell tapers from the top tothe bottom or vice versa. One example of that concept is shown in FIG.5D, which illustrates an embodiment in which filter 500 has a firstwidth W1 proximate the top 501 and a second width W2 proximate thebottom 502, wherein W1 is greater than W2.

In embodiments filter 500 includes communication circuitry (COMMS) 517,as best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. When used, COMMS 517 is configured toenable communication between filter 500 and an external component (e.g.,corresponding communication circuitry of base 404 (or more specifically,controller 490)) via any current or future developed wired or wirelesscommunication protocol. In embodiments, COMMS 517 is configured tocommunicate wirelessly using a near field communication (NFC),BLUETOOTH®, ZIGBEE®, WIFI, or other wireless communication protocol.Without limitation, in embodiments COMMS 517 is or includes a radiofrequency identification (RFID) circuit, and is configured tocommunicate wirelessly using an RFID or other NFC communicationprotocol. Further operations of COMMS 517 are described later inconjunction with the operations of controller 490.

As noted above and shown in FIGS. 4K and 4L, system 400 includes asanitizing gas supply system that includes one or more fans/pumps thatfacilitate the flow of sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) from the sanitizinggas supply system (e.g., an ozone generator) to one or more componentsof a medical device. The sanitizing gas supply system may be disposedwithin base 404 as shown in FIGS. 4K and 4L, or it may be providedseparately from base 404. In embodiments the sanitizing gas generator isdisposed within base 404, e.g., above, below, or to a side of sanitizingchamber 403.

With further reference to FIG. 4K, when system 400 is used to sanitize amedical device such as a CPAP device, a proximal end of a distributionline 107 may be connected to sanitizing gas outlet 453. A distal end ofdistribution line 107 may be fluidly coupled to a medical device 129(e.g., a CPAP device or a water or other reservoir thereof) and a hose109 (e.g., a CPAP hose) in any suitable manner, such as with a connectorunit 120 as shown. Alternatively, connector unit 120 may be configuredto couple directly to sanitizing gas outlet 453, in which casedistribution line 107 may be omitted.

In operation, the sanitizing gas generator may generate sanitizing gas(e.g., ozone). A fan/pump within the sanitizing gas generator may causethe sanitizing gas to flow towards sanitizing gas outlet 453 andultimately to components that are fluidly coupled to sanitizing gasoutlet 453. For example and as described above, sanitizing gas may flowfrom sanitizing gas outlet 453, through a distribution line 107, andinto connector unit 120. Alternatively, when distribution line 107 isomitted, sanitizing gas may flow directly from sanitizing gas outlet 453to connector unit 120. In any case the sanitizing gas introduced intothe connector unit 120 may be dispersed into the hose 109, into themedical device 129, or a combination thereof. For example, when medicaldevice 129 is a CPAP device that includes a reservoir, sanitizing gasintroduced into the connector unit 120 may flow into reservoir, as wellas into the hose 109. For example, in embodiments sanitizing gas flowsinto a first passageway in the connector unit 120, from the firstpassageway into the reservoir, from the reservoir into a secondpassageway in the connector unit 120, and then into hose 109.Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the sanitizing gasintroduced into the connector unit 120 may flow into the hose 109.

In embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4K, an intermediate portion of thehose 109 may pass through receptacle 407 such that a distal end 113 ofthe hose 109 is disposed within sanitizing chamber 403. As shown, amedical device component 492 (e.g., a CPAP mask, a CPAP nose pillow,etc.) may remain attached to the distal end 113 in this configuration.In operation, sanitizing gas introduced into the hose 109 may flow intosanitizing chamber 403 and—when medical device component 492 is attachedto distal end 113—sanitizing gas may flow through medical devicecomponent 492 into sanitizing chamber 403. Once in sanitizing chamber403, the sanitizing gas may convert into a breathable gas and/or may becarried through exhaust port(s) 405 into a filter 500 (described later)disposed within filter tray 471. Of course, medical device component 492need not be attached to distal end 113 in order to conduct a sanitizingoperation using this configuration.

As noted above FIG. 4K depicts an embodiment in which an intermediateportion of the hose 109 is disposed within receptacle 407 and the distalend 113 of the hose is disposed inside sanitizing chamber 103. Althoughuseful, such a configuration is not required and hose 109 may be fluidlycoupled to the sanitizing chamber 403 in any suitable manner. Forexample and as shown in FIG. 4L, base 404 may include a port 494 thatextends through a sidewall thereof, such as in the alternativeconfigurations discussed above in the context of systems 200, 300. Likethose previous embodiments, the port 494 may include a first end and asecond end with a fluid passageway there between. In general, the fluidpassageway enables the flow of a fluid (e.g., sanitizing gas) from aposition outside base 404 (e.g., from hose 109) to inside sanitizingchamber 403. In that regard the first end of the port 494 may beconfigured to fluidly couple with the distal end 113 of the hose, eitherdirectly or via one or more intermediate components. For example and asshown in FIG. 4L, the first end of the port 494 may be configured toform a gas tight seal with the distal end 113 of hose 109, whileallowing sanitizing gas to flow from hose 109 into the fluid passagewaywithin port 494. Alternatively and as shown in FIG. 4N, in embodimentsconnector unit 120 may be configured to connect directly to the port494, such that connector unit 120 is between the distal end of hose 109and the port 494. In some embodiments, connector unit 120 in FIG. 4N isconfigured to only convey sanitizing gas towards port 494 and/orsanitizing chamber 403. In such embodiments hose 109 may be removed frombetween connector unit 120 and port 494, and hose 109 may be sanitizedby placing it inside sanitizing chamber 403 during a sanitizingoperation.

Notably, the configuration of system 400′ in FIG. 4L allows for theelimination of receptacle 407 and the upper and lower seal members 431,433. To accommodate the removal of such components, the lid seal 427 andbase seal 429 may be configured to form a gas tight seal about theperiphery of the lid 401 when lid 401 is in the closed position.However, prior to conducting a sanitizing operation using theconfiguration of FIG. 4L, the distal end 113 of the hose 109 may becoupled to medical device component 492, e.g., a CPAP hose. To conduct asanitizing operation, medical device component 492 may be separated fromdistal end 113 and optionally placed within sanitizing chamber 403. Thedistal end 113 may then be connected to the first end of the port 494.Alternatively, hose 109 and medical device component 492 may be placedin sanitizing chamber 403 and connector unit 120 may be connecteddirectly to port 494. In either case, a sanitizing operation may then beperformed. During such an operation, a sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone)generated by the sanitizing gas generator may be introduced into theconnector unit 120, e.g., via a distribution line 107 coupled tosanitizing gas outlet 453. The sanitizing gas introduced into theconnector unit 120 may also optionally migrate into medical device 129.Alternatively or additionally, the sanitizing gas may migrate into andthrough port 494 (e.g. via hose 109 or directly from connector unit120), and into sanitizing chamber 403.

FIGS. 4K and 4L focus on embodiments in which a connector unit 120 isdisposed between a medical device 129 and a hose 109, and is configuredto direct the flow of sanitizing gas into one or more of the medicaldevice 129 and/or hose in a desired manner. While such embodiments areuseful, as noted previously the present disclosure envisions andencompasses alternative configurations in which connector unit 120 iseliminated and/or is utilized in a different manner. For example and asshown in FIGS. 4M and 4N, in embodiments connector unit 120 isconfigured to fluidly couple to distribution line 107, distal end 113 ofhose 109, and to sanitizing chamber 403. For example, the connector unit120 may include a first connector 121 configured to fluidly couple withdistribution line 107, a second connector 127 configured to fluidlycouple with a distal end 113 of hose 109, and a third connector 133configured to fluidly couple with sanitizing chamber 403. This is unlikethe embodiments of FIGS. 4K and 4L, wherein connector unit 120 isconfigured to fluidly couple to distribution line 107, proximal end 111of hose 109, and medical device 129.

As shown in FIG. 4M, connector unit 120 may be configured to fluidlycouple to sanitizing chamber 403, e.g., via a receptacle 407. In suchinstances, the exterior of connector unit 120 may be configured suchthat a gas tight seal can be formed between receptacle 407 (and/or oneor more sealing elements thereof) and connector unit 120, e.g., in thesame manner as described herein concerning the formation of a gas tightseal with an intermediate portion of a medical device hose.Alternatively and as shown in FIG. 4N, the base 404 may include a port494, and connector unit 120 may be configured to fluidly couple to thesanitizing chamber 403 via the port 494. In that regard, the connectorunit 120 may include a first connector 121 configured to fluidly couplewith distribution line 107, a second connector 127 configured to fluidlycouple with a distal end 113 of hose 109, and a third connector 133configured to fluidly couple with port 494 and, in turn, to sanitizingchamber 403.

In the embodiments of 4K to 4N the connector unit 120 may be configuredto direct the flow of sanitizing gas during a sanitizing operation inany desired manner. For example, during a sanitizing operation asanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) may be generated or otherwise provided by asanitizing gas supply system. The sanitizing gas may be introduced intothe connector unit 120, e.g. via distribution line 107. In embodiments,the connector unit 120 is configured such that all or a portion of thesanitizing gas introduced into the connector unit is conveyed into thesanitizing chamber 403, into the hose 109, into medical device 129,and/or a combination thereof. For example, connector unit 120 may beconfigured in the manner shown in any one of FIG. 19A-19G, 20, or 21,which are described later.

For example when connector unit 120 is configured in the manner shown inFIG. 19A, 19B, or 19C, during a sanitizing operation sanitizing gas maybe introduced into the connector unit 120 via a proximal end 1901 offirst connector 121 and flow into first passageway 123. Due to theconfiguration of first passageway 123 in such embodiments, sanitizinggas may initially flow from first passageway 123 towards medical device129 (in the case of systems 400, 400′) or towards hose 109 (in the caseof systems 400″ and 400′″). However, the amount of sanitizing gas thatflows into hose 109, medical device 129, and/or chamber 403 may dependon various factors, such as the length of first passageway 123, the sizeand configuration of the distal end 1903, the length of hose 109, theflow rate/velocity of the sanitizing gas, etc. Thus, depending on suchfactors, in some embodiments all or a portion of the sanitizing gas mayor may not flow into hose 109 and/or medical device 129, but rather mayflow in a substantially opposite direction (e.g., towards hose 109 (inthe case of systems 400, 400′) or sanitizing chamber 403 (in the case ofsystems 400″, 400′″).

In alternative embodiments connector unit 120 is configured in themanner shown in FIGS. 19D-19F. In such instances, during a sanitizingoperation sanitizing gas may be introduced into the connector unit 120via a proximal end 1901 of first connector 121, and flow into firstpassageway 123. Due to the configuration of first passageway 123 in suchembodiments, sanitizing gas may initially flow from first passageway 123towards hose 109 (in the case of systems 400, 400′) or towardssanitizing chamber 403 (in the case of systems 400″ and 400′″). Like theprevious embodiments, however, the amount of sanitizing gas that flowsinto hose 109, medical device 129, and/or sanitizing chamber 403 maydepend on various factors, such as the length of first passageway 123,the flow rate/velocity of the sanitizing gas, use of an extension, etc.Thus, depending on such factors, in some embodiments all or a portion ofthe sanitizing gas may or may not flow into hose 109 and/or medicaldevice 129. Because of the orientation of the first passageway 123 inFIGS. 19D-19F, such figures may be understood to show a connector unitwith a “reverse jet” configuration.

In further alternative embodiments connector unit 120 is configured inthe manner shown in FIG. 20. In such instances, during a sanitizingoperation sanitizing gas may be introduced into the connector unit 120via a proximal end 1901 of first connector 121, and flow into firstpassageway 123. At least a portion of the sanitizing gas may flow intothe first branch 2002 and the second branch 2006 of the firstpassageway. Sanitizing gas exiting the first distal end 2004 (of thefirst branch 2002) may flow initially towards second connector/open end127 (e.g., towards hose 109 and/or medical device 129), and sanitizinggas exiting the second distal end 2008 may flow initially towards thirdconnector/open end 133 (e.g., towards hose 109 or sanitizing chamber403). Like the previous embodiments, however, the amount of sanitizinggas that flows into hose 109, medical device 129, and/or sanitizingchamber 403 may depend on various factors, such as the length of firstpassageway 123, the flow rate/velocity of the sanitizing gas, the sizeand configuration of the first branch 2002 and the second branch 2006,etc.

In still further alternative embodiments connector unit 120 isconfigured in the manner shown in FIG. 21. In such instances, during asanitizing operation sanitizing gas may be introduced into the connectorunit 120 via a proximal end 2001 of first connector 121 and a proximalend 2011 of a fourth connector 2010. Sanitizing gas introduced intofirst connector 121 may flow into first passageway 123, which has adistal end 2004 oriented towards second connector/open end 127.Sanitizing gas introduced into fourth connector 2010 may flow into athird passageway 2012 that has a distal end 2018 oriented towards thirdconnector/open end 133. Sanitizing gas exiting the distal end 2004 mayflow initially towards second connector/open end 127 (e.g., towards hose109 and/or medical device 129), and sanitizing gas exiting the distalend 2018 may flow initially towards third connector/open end 133 (e.g.,towards hose 109 or sanitizing chamber 403). Like the previousembodiments, however, the amount of sanitizing gas that flows into hose109, medical device 129, and/or sanitizing chamber 403 may depend onvarious factors, such as the length of first passageway 123, the lengthof the third passageway 2012, the amount, flow rate and/or velocity ofsanitizing gas introduced into the first passageway 123 and/or the thirdpassageway 2012, etc. As may be appreciated, configuring connector unit120 in the manner shown in FIG. 21 may allow for finer control over theamount of sanitizing gas that is directed in a particular manner, e.g.,by allowing for independent control of the amount of sanitizing gas thatis initially directed towards the second connector/open end 127 and/ortowards the third connector/open end 133.

The sanitization systems described herein may be used to sanitize a widevariety of medical devices, including but not limited to severaldifferent types of CPAP equipment. With that in mind it may be desirableto direct the flow of sanitizing gas by the system, e.g., to ensure theflow of sanitizing gas into certain medical device components, and/or toavoid or limit exposure of certain medical device components to thesanitizing gas. For example, when the systems described herein are usedto sanitize CPAP equipment, it may or may not be desirable for thesanitizing gas to enter into certain components of the CPAP equipment,such an air outlet, reservoir, or a combination thereof. For example,some CPAP devices may include seals or other components that may reactwith and/or be degrade by a sanitizing gas, such as ozone. In suchinstances it may be desirable to control or otherwise direct the flow ofsanitizing gas in such a way as to limit or prevent contact of thesanitizing gas with such components. Alternatively, some CPAP devicesmay include components (e.g. water reservoirs, CPAP hoses, etc.) thatare prone to fouling with bacteria and other pathogens. In suchinstances it may be desirable to control or otherwise direct the flow ofsanitizing gas so as to ensure adequate exposure of such components tothe sanitizing gas.

With the foregoing in mind, aspects of the present disclosure relate toconnector units (e.g., CPAP connector units) that can direct the flow ofsanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) in a desired manner during the performanceof a sanitizing operation with the sanitization systems describedherein. In that regard references is made to FIGS. 19A-19C, which depictseveral example connector units consistent with the present disclosure.As shown, connector units 120 ₁, 120 ₂, and 120 ₃ each include a firstconnector 121, a second connector 127, and a third connector 133. Ingeneral, first connector 121 is configured to fluidly couple with asanitizing gas supply system, either by directly coupling with asanitizing gas outlet 453, or be coupling to a distribution line 107that is fluidly coupled to a sanitizing gas supply system. In thiscontext, “fluidly couple” means that sanitizing gas may flow into firstconnector 121 and into a first passageway 123 therein. In theillustrated embodiment, first connector 121 includes a proximal end 1901that includes an opening that permits the flow of sanitizing gas intofirst passageway 123.

Second connector 127 is generally configured to fluidly couple to a CPAPdevice, e.g., directly or with the aid of an adapter (not shown). Forexample, second connector 127 may be configured to fluidly couple to anoutlet from a CPAP device, such as by not limited to an air outlet(which may also be referred to as a tubing connector). The CPAP devicemay or may not include a reservoir. When the CPAP device includes areservoir, the air outlet/tubing connector may be fluidly coupled to thereservoir, and the second connector may be fluidly coupled to thereservoir. In this context, “fluidly coupled” means that a gas may flowfrom the CPAP device into the second connector 127 and into a secondpassageway 131 in the connector unit 120 ₁. Accordingly, secondconnector 127 includes an opening that permits the flow of gastherethrough and into second passageway 131.

Third connector 133 is generally configured to fluidly couple with asanitizing chamber of a sanitizing system consistent with the presentdisclosure. In embodiments and as discussed above, third connector 133may be configured to connect to a proximal end of a hose (e.g. a CPAPhose). In such instances a distal end 113 of the hose may be disposedwithin sanitizing chamber 403 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4K), or coupled toa port 494 as shown in FIG. 4L. Alternatively, third connector 133 maybe configured to couple directly to a base 404, e.g., via a port 494—inwhich case coupling of the hose to the third connector is not required.

First connector 121 includes or defines a first passageway 123. Thefirst passageway 123 extends through a sidewall 125 that extends betweenthe openings formed in second connector 127 and third connector 133,such that at least a portion of the first passageway 123 is disposedwithin the second passageway 131. In this context, “at least partiallydisposed within” means that at least a portion of a wall defining thefirst passageway 123 extends into (e.g., occludes, narrows, etc.) thesecond passageway 131. In embodiments a gap is present between sidewall125 and part of the wall defining the first passageway 123 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 19A), but such a gap need not be present for the firstpassageway to be disposed at least partially within the secondpassageway 131. Indeed, all or a portion of the first passageway 123 (ora wall thereof) may be integral with sidewall 125, yet first passageway123 may be disposed at least partially within second passageway 131.

In FIGS. 19A-19C the distal end 1903 of first passageway 123 is orientedtowards second connector 127. Such an orientation may direct the flow ofsanitizing gas passing through first passageway 123 towards the secondconnector 127 and, hence, towards any medical device or hose that may befluidly coupled to second connector 127. Depending on the volume andflow rate of the sanitizing gas, orienting distal end 1903 toward secondconnector 127 may ensure that at least a portion of sanitizing gasconveyed through first passageway 123 flows into a medical device orhose coupled to second connector 127, e.g., a CPAP device such as a CPAPreservoir or a CPAP hose. As shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, an optional seconddistribution line 1905 may be coupled to distal end 1903 to facilitatethe conveyance of sanitizing gas into the medical device coupled tosecond connector 127.

In embodiments at least a portion of sanitizing gas introduced intofirst passageway 123 may flow through second passageway 131 towardsthird connector 133 and a hose 109 or base 404 coupled thereto. Forexample, sanitizing gas may flow from distal end 1903, into a medicaldevice coupled to second connector 127 (e.g., a CPAP reservoir), fromthe CPAP reservoir into second passageway 131, and from secondpassageway 131 into a hose 109 or base 404 coupled to third connector133. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the sanitizinggas flowing through first passageway 123 may exit distal end 1903 andflow into second passageway 131 towards third connector, e.g., withoutentering a medical device coupled to second connector 127.

Connector units 120 ₁ (FIG. 19A), 120 ₂ (FIG. 19B) and 120 ₃ (FIG. 19C)differ from each other only in the length of the distal portion (nozzle)of their respective first passageways 123. That is, the nozzle of firstpassageway 123 of connector unit 120 ₁ has a length L1, the nozzle offirst passageway 123 of connector unit 120 ₂ has a length L2, and thenozzle of first passageway 123 of connector unit 120 ₃ has a length L3,wherein L3>L2>L1. Because the length of the distal portion of the firstpassageway 123 may impact the amount of sanitizing gas that is conveyedfrom the first passageway 123 into a medical device or hose coupled tosecond connector 127, it may be desirable to set the length of thedistal portion of the first channel based to expose a medical devicecoupled to the second connector 127 to a desired amount of sanitizinggas. In embodiments, the length of the nozzle (distal portion) of firstpassageway 123 range from 3 mm to 25 mm, such as from 6 mm to 19 mm Suchlengths are enumerated for the sake of example, however, and the lengthof the nozzle of the first passageway 123 is not limited thereto.

FIGS. 19A-19C depict embodiments in which a proximal portion of firstpassageway 123 extends perpendicularly through sidewall 125, and adistal portion (nozzle) of first passageway 123 extends at a 90 degreeangle relative to the proximal portion of the first channel in adirection towards the second connector 127. Although useful, such aconfiguration is not required and first passageway 123 may be configuredin any suitable manner. For example, first connector 121 may be orientedat an angle such that proximal end 1901 is disposed closer to thirdconnector 133 than it is to second connector 127, and first passageway123 may extend in a straight line (i.e., without a bend) though sidewall125 and at least partially into second passageway 131. Alternatively oradditionally, first passageway 123 may bent or curved at an anglegreater than or less than 90 degrees, as desired. Moreover, firstpassageway 123 may include more than one bend, such as 2, 3, 4, or morebends.

FIGS. 19D-19F illustrate additional examples of connector unitsconsistent with the present disclosure. Connector units 120 ₄ (FIG.19D), 120 ₅ (FIG. 19E), and 120 ₆ (FIG. 19F) generally include the samecomponents as connector units 120 ₁-120 ₃. As the nature and function ofthe bulk of such components is the same as described above in connectionwith FIGS. 19A-19C, such description is not reiterated. Unlike connectorunits 120 ₁-120 ₃, connector units 120 ₄₋₆ include a first passageway123 with a distal end that is oriented towards third connector 133 andtowards components that may be fluidly connected to third connector 133.Such a configuration may be useful in instances in which it may bedesirable to limit or even prevent the flow of sanitizing gas intomedical device components that are fluidly connected to second connector127, e.g., when medical equipment fluidly coupled to second connector127 does not require sanitization, and/or is sensitive to (e.g.,adversely impacted) exposure to the sanitizing gas used in a sanitizingoperation. For example, some CPAP devices (e.g. CPAP devices that do notinclude a reservoir) may not require sanitization, and/or may includecomponents that may be adversely affected by exposure to a sanitizinggas such as ozone. In such instances it may be desirable to limit orprevent the flow of sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the CPAP device,while enabling the flow of sanitizing gas into other components, such asa hose 109 or base 404 fluidly coupled to third connector 133.

In that regard first passageway 123 (or, more particularly, the distalend (nozzle) thereof) in connector units 120 ₄-120 ₆ is configured toenable a desired flow of sanitizing gas towards components that aredownstream of third connector 133, while limiting or preventing flow ofsanitizing gas through second connector 127. In general, firstpassageway 123 facilitates such flow by directing sanitizing gas towardscomponents downstream of third connector 133 (e.g. towards a hose 109 orbase 404 fluidly coupled to third connector 133), and by allowingsanitizing gas to flow through distal end 1903 at a flow volume and flowrate that limits or prevents flow of sanitizing gas through secondconnector 127.

Directing the flow of sanitizing gas towards components downstream ofthird connector 133 may be accomplished by controlling the positionand/or orientation of the distal end 1903 of first passageway 123. Inembodiments and as shown in FIGS. 19D-19F, the distal end 1903 may beoriented to face towards components downstream of third connector 133.In FIGS. 19D-19F, the distal end 1903 includes an opening that isoriented parallel to an opening in third connector 133, such aconfiguration is not required. Moreover, the relative position of distalend 1903 to third connector 133 is not limited, and may be selected tosuit a particular application. This is demonstrated by FIGS. 19D-19F, inwhich connector units 120 ₄-120 ₆ have different nozzle lengths, L4, L5,and L6 respectively, wherein L6>L5>L4, and L4, L5, and L6 may each rangefrom about 3 to about 25 mm, such as from about 6 mm to about 19 mm, oreven above 6 mm to about 14 mm In embodiments, the length of the firstpassageway 123 and/or the nozzle thereof is selected such that a desiredflow volume and flow velocity of sanitizing gas is achieved at distalend 1903 during a sanitizing operation.

In embodiments, connectors 120 ₄-120 ₆ are configured such that ozoneflowing through first passageway 123 is directed along a flow pathpresented by components that are fluidly coupled to third connector 133.For example when third connector 133 is fluidly coupled to a hose (e.g.,a CPAP hose), first passageway 123 may be configured such thatsanitizing gas flowing through distal end 1903 is directed along a flowpath within an interior of the hose, and/or an interior of an adapterused to connect the hose to third connector 133. Alternatively, one ormore optional extensions 1907 and/or flow guides 1909 may be coupled todistal end 1903 and used to further direct the flow of sanitizing gasinto a component downstream of third connector 133.

Put differently, first passageway 123 may, alone or in combination withoptional extensions 1907 and/or flow guides 1909, be configured toenable laminar or substantially laminar flow of sanitizing gas intocomponents downstream of third connector 133. This may be accomplished,for example, by positioning and orienting the opening in distal end 1903(and/or extensions 1907/flow guides 1909) such that sanitizing gasexiting such openings is not directed at a steep angle (e.g., greaterthan about 45 degrees) towards a sidewall at least partially defining aflow path into and/or through components downstream of third connector133. For example, in embodiments third connector 133 may be coupled to aproximal end of a CPAP hose, wherein the proximal end includes arelatively sharp bend (e.g., a bend with a radius less than 35 mm)proximate to third connector 133. In such instances, the distal end 1903of first passageway 123 may be configured to extend into the hose and atleast partially into or through the bend, such that the distal end 1903is oriented to face a straight or relatively straight section of theinterior of the hose. Alternatively when first passageway 123 isrelatively short (e.g., as in FIG. 19D), one or more extensions 1907and/or flow guides 1909 may be coupled to distal end 1903 and used todirect the flow of sanitizing gas into a relatively straight section ofthe hose. As may be appreciated, if the flow of sanitizing gas isdirected into the relatively sharp bend, the flow of sanitizing gasthrough the hose may be impeded. Consequently, a portion of thesanitizing gas flowing from the first passageway may flow through secondpassageway 131 towards and potentially through second connector 127.

As noted above the flow volume and flow velocity of the sanitizing gasat the distal end 1903 can also impact how sanitizing gas flows throughconnector units 120 ₄-120 ₆. In Accordingly, in embodiments firstpassageway 123 is configured to permit sanitizing gas to flow throughdistal end 1903 at a desired flow volume and flow velocity during asanitizing operation. Without limitation, in embodiments firstpassageway 123 (and more particularly distal end 1903) is configured topermit sanitizing gas to flow at a flow volume ranging from about 1 toabout 2 liters per minute (LPM) (e.g., from about 1.1 to about 1.7 LPM,or even about 1.2 to about 1.5 LPM), and at a flow velocity ranging fromabout 14 (e.g., 14.5) meters per second (m/s) to about 60 m/s (e.g.,from about 15 to about 50 m/s or even from about 17 (e.g., 17.4) toabout 50 m/s) during a sanitizing operation. Without limitation, inembodiments first passageway 123 (and more particularly distal end 1903)is configured to permit sanitizing gas to flow at a flow volume rangingfrom 1.2 to 1.5 LPM and at a flow velocity of 17.4 to 50 m/s during asanitizing operation. Such volumes and flow rates may also be used inpassageways of connector units that are configured differently, such asthose shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

The geometry of distal end 1903 may affect the flow volume and flowvelocity of sanitizing gas there through. Accordingly, it may bedesirable to select the geometry of distal end 1903 in order to enablesanitizing gas to flow there through at a desired volume and velocity.With the foregoing in mind and as shown in FIG. 19G, in embodimentsdistal end 1903 has a circular (round) cross section with an internaldiameter (ID) ranging from about 0.7 to about 1.5 mm, such as from about0.8 to about 1.3 mm, or even from about 0.8 to about 1.2 mm That beingsaid, distal end 1903 need not have a circular (round) cross section,and may have any suitable geometry (e.g., an ellipsoidal, triangular,quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, other geometric, or irregularshape) that allows for a flow rate and flow velocity of sanitizing gaswithin the above noted ranges. Such configurations may also be appliedto passageways of other connector units, such as passageway 123 in FIGS.20 and 21, and passageway 2012 in FIG. 21.

The position of distal end 1903 relative to sidewall 125 is not limited.In embodiments, the distance between distal end 1903 and the sidewall125 ranges from greater than 0 to about 25 mm or more, such as fromgreater than 0 to about 20 mm, greater than 0 to about 15 mm, greaterthan 0 to about 10 mm, greater than 0 to about 5 mm, greater than 0 toabout 1 mm, or even greater than 0 to about 0.5 mm In embodiments,distal end 1903 is about 0.5 mm from the sidewall 125. In otherembodiments, distal end 1903 is centered within second passageway 131.

Like the embodiments of FIGS. 19A-19C, FIGS. 19D-19F show connectorunits that include a first passageway that includes a relatively sharpbend. Such a configuration is not required, and the first passageway 123of connector units 120 ₄₋₆ may be configured in another manner. Forexample, in embodiments the first passageway 123 may be substantiallystraight (i.e., without any bends). In other embodiments, the firstpassageway 123 may include a single bend (e.g., as shown in FIGS.19D-19F) or more than one (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) bend.

FIGS. 19A-19F focus on connector units that include a single proximalend and a single distal end, so as define a single first passageway 123.The connector units of the present disclosure are not limited to suchconfigurations, however, and may include any suitable number of proximaland distal ends, as well as any suitable number of channels. Forexample, the connector units described herein may include a firstconnector with a first passageway having a single proximal end andmultiple distal ends. That concept is shown in FIG. 20, whichillustrates a connector unit 1207 that includes a first connector 121having a first passageway 123, wherein the first passageway 123 has asingle proximal end 2001, and branches into a first branch 2002 with afirst distal end 2004, and a second branch 2006 with a second distal end2008. In such embodiments, the configuration of the first and secondbranches 2002, 2006 and the configuration of the first and second distalends 2004, 2008 may be selected to control the relative amount ofsanitizing gas that is directed toward a medical device fluidlyconnected to second connector 127 and the relative amount of sanitizinggas that is directed towards components (e.g., a hose 109 and/or base404) fluidly coupled to third connector 133 during a sanitizingoperation. Like the embodiments of FIGS. 19A-19F, one or more optionaldistribution lines, extensions, and/or flow directors may be coupled tofirst distal end 2004 and/or second distal end 2008, so as to achieve adesired flow of sanitizing gas during a sanitizing operation.

In additional embodiments the connector units may include multiplediscrete connectors (i.e., multiple inlet connectors). That concept isshown in FIG. 21, which depicts a connector unit 1208 that includes afirst connector 121 (i.e., a first inlet), a second connector 127, athird connector 133, and a fourth connector (i.e., a second inlet) 2010.The first connector 121 includes a first passageway 123 that includesfirst branch 2002, and which extends between a first proximal end 2001and a first distal end 2004 that is oriented towards second connector127 (or, more particularly, towards components that are or will befluidly connected downstream of second connector 127). The fourthconnector 2010 includes a third passageway 2012 that includes a secondbranch 2016, and which extends between a second proximal end 2011 and asecond distal end 2018 that is oriented towards third connector 133 (or,more particularly, towards components that are or will be fluidlyconnected to third connector 133.

In use, either or both the first connector 121 and fourth connector 2010may be connected to a source of sanitizing gas, such as ozone. Forexample, either or both the first connector 121 and fourth connector2010 may be fluidly coupled to a source of sanitizing gas, e.g., via oneor more sanitizing gas distribution lines. As may be appreciated, whenboth the first connector 121 and the fourth connector 2010 are coupledto a source of sanitizing gas, the amount of sanitizing gas flowingtowards components fluidly coupled downstream of second connector 127and the amount of sanitizing gas flowing towards components fluidlycoupled downstream of third connector may be controlled by controllingthe flow volume and velocity of sanitizing gas at the first distal end2004 relative to the flow volume and flow velocity of sanitizing gas atthe second distal end 2018, and vice versa. This may be accomplished,for example, by adjusting the input of sanitizing gas into the firstproximal end 2001 and/or second proximal end 2011. Alternatively oradditionally, the flow volume and velocity of sanitizing gas at thefirst and second distal ends 2004, 2018 may be set or adjusted by thegeometry of the first and third passageways 123, 2012 and/or thegeometry of the first and second distal ends 2004, 2018, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 21, first and/or third passageways 123, 2012 may besealed, e.g., with an optional cap 2020 that is configured to form a gastight seal with first and/or second proximal ends 2001, 2011. Thiscapability enables connector unit 1208 to be utilized in a wide varietyof applications, including applications in which sanitizing gas may bedirected in one or multiple directions, i.e., only towards componentsfluidly coupled to second connector 127, only towards components fluidlycoupled to third connector 133, or towards both components that arefluidly coupled to second connector 127 and components that are fluidlycoupled to third connector 133.

The connector units of FIGS. 19A-19F and 20-21 can be used in a varietyof systems. For example, the connector units of FIGS. 19A-19F and 20-21can be used as connector unit 120 in a system configured in the mannershown in FIGS. 4K-4N as discussed above.

To enhance the flow of sanitizing gas such as ozone in a desireddirection, the systems described herein may include one or moreauxiliary (i.e., secondary) fans/pumps. When used, such auxiliaryfans/pumps may be positioned at any suitable location, and may beconfigured to facilitate the flow of sanitizing gas towards filter 500.For example, the system 400 may include a sanitizing gas generator thatincludes a primary fan/pump, and at least one secondary fan/pump. Insuch embodiments the primary and secondary fans/pumps may be co-locatedwithin base 404, e.g., as part of the sanitizing gas generator.Alternatively, in some embodiments the systems described herein includea primary fan/pump and a secondary fan/pump at different locations. Forexample, the systems described herein include a primary fan/pump as partof a sanitizing gas generator that is disposed within base 404, and asecondary fan/pump that is present in another location, e.g., downstreamof filter 500.

The primary and secondary fans/pumps are each configured to push or drawsanitizing gas generated by the sanitizing gas generator towardssanitizing gas outlet 453 and, ultimately, towards filter 500. Inembodiments system 400 includes a primary fan/pump that is configured topush or draw sanitizing gas out/through sanitizing gas outlet 453. Insuch instances, system 400 may include a secondary pump/fan that islocated downstream of filter 500, and which is configured to draw orpull sanitizing gas towards filter 500.

FIGS. 16A-16G depict one example of a system 1600 that includes anauxiliary (secondary) fan/pump consistent with the present disclosure.In this embodiment and as best shown in the cross-sectional views ofFIGS. 16A and 16B, system 1600 includes a filter tray 1671, an airflowguide 1673, and an auxiliary fan/pump 1675. For clarity, system 400 isshown with a filter 500 installed within filter tray 1671. As best shownin FIG. 16C, auxiliary fan/pump 1675 is configured to draw (pull) airand/or sanitizing gas through filter 500, i.e., from the inlet of filter500 towards the outlet of filter 500). When filter tray 1671 is in aclosed position, the filter inlet seal 509 engages and seals aroundexhaust ports 405, as discussed previously. Operation of auxiliaryfan/pump 1675 draws/pulls air/sanitizing gas from sanitizing chamber 403into and through filter 500. Depending on its strength, thepulling/drawing force generated by auxiliary fan/pump 1675 may even drawair/sanitizing gas from the hose of medical device (a distal end ofwhich is present in sanitizing chamber 403), and in some cases from areservoir of the medical device that is fluidly coupled to the hose,e.g., via a connector unit.

Auxiliary fan/pump 1675 may be operated independently or in conjunctionwith a primary fan/pump, e.g., within a sanitizing gas generator used insystem 400. For example, the primary fan/pump and auxiliary fan/pump1675 may be configured in a “push/pull” configuration, in which theprimary fan/pump “pushes” air/sanitizing gas such that it flows towardsand through filter 500, whereas the secondary fan/pump 1675 “pulls”air/sanitizing gas towards and through filter 500. When operatedsimultaneously, the primary and secondary fans/pumps may increase theflow rate of air and sanitizing gas through filter 500, enhancing theevacuation of system 1600. While rapid evacuation of sanitizing gas maybe desirable in some instances, it may shorten or otherwise limitexposure of medical device components to the sanitizing gas, potentiallyleading to inadequate sanitization. Operation of the auxiliary fan/pump1675 and/or primary fan/pump may be managed to achieve a desired balancebetween sanitizing performance and evacuation of sanitizing gas from thesystem. For example, a controller (e.g., controller 490) may be used todynamically manage operation of auxiliary fan/pump 1675, such thatauxiliary fan/pump 1675 and/or the primary fan/pump(s) is/are activatedat appropriate times and for appropriate durations to obtain desiredperformance.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-16F, auxiliary fan/pump 1675 is in theform of an axial fan that includes an inlet and an outlet. As best shownin FIG. 16C, auxiliary fan/pump 1675 is configured to draw a flow ofair/sanitizing gas (shown by arrows in FIG. 16C) from an outlet offilter 500 into an axial inlet on one side of the auxiliary fan/pump1675, and to exhaust the flow via a perimeter outlet (i.e., an outlet inthe perimeter of the fan). Filter tray 1671 includes an airflow guidethat facilitates the flow of air/sanitizing gas into and throughauxiliary fan/pump 1675.

Filter tray 1671 may be sized and shaped to accommodate the auxiliaryfan/pump 1675. That concept is best shown in FIGS. 16D-16F, which showfilter tray 1671 with an outer wall that is shaped to provide enoughinterior volume for auxiliary fan/pump 1675. More specifically and asbest shown in FIG. 16B, filter tray 1671 may include an outer wall thatis curved and laterally offset from an inner wall 1677, with a gaptherebetween. In such instances auxiliary fan/pump 1675 is disposed atleast partially within the gap between the inner wall 1677 and the outerwall of filter tray 1671, and is oriented substantially vertically(i.e., such that the axial sides of the auxiliary fan/pump 1675 aresubstantially parallel to an outer wall of base 404) when filter tray1671 is in the closed position.

Other configurations that include an auxiliary fan/pump are possible andare envisioned and encompassed by the present disclosure. In that regardFIGS. 17A-17E depict another example of a sanitizing system that includean auxiliary fan/pump consistent with the present disclosure. Like theabove described embodiments, system 1700 includes a base 404, a filtertray 1771, an airflow guide 1773, and an auxiliary fan/pump 1775. Inthis embodiment, however, filter tray 1771 includes a filter trayextension 1779. The filter tray extension 1779 includes at least onesidewall 1780 that extends from an outer wall (not labeled) of filtertray 1771 to an outer wall (not labeled) of filter tray extension 1779.In embodiments and as best shown in FIG. 17D, an optional shim 1781 maybe present between an inner surface of filter tray extension 1779 and afilter 500 within filter tray 1771. As further shown in FIG. 17D, thefilter tray extension 1779 is configured such that auxiliary fan/pump1775 can be installed at an angle between an inner surface of the filtertray extension 1779 and an end of airflow guide 1773. More specifically,auxiliary fan/pump 1775 is installed such that when filter tray 1771 isin a closed position, the axial sides of auxiliary fan/pump 1775 areoriented at an offset angle relative to an outer wall of base 404. Inembodiments, the offset angle is greater than or equal to about 2, 3, 4,5, 10, or 15 degrees offset from vertical, or more.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 17A-17E, operation of the auxiliaryfan/pump 1775 may draw an airflow through filter 500 when filter tray1771 is in the closed position. That concept is best shown in FIG. 17E.Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-16F, auxiliary fan/pump 1775 may drawair into an axial inlet, and may exhaust air via an axial outlet.Without limitation, this may increase the amount of air flow passingthrough auxiliary fan/pump 1775, while also limiting the size of airflowguide 1773. Operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 17A-17D issubstantially the same as the embodiment of FIGS. 16A-16F and thereforeis not reiterated.

FIGS. 18A-18D depict another example of a system that includes anauxiliary pump/fan consistent with the present disclosure. Like theabove described embodiments, system 1800 includes a base 404, a filtertray 1871, an airflow guide 1873, and an auxiliary fan/pump 1875. Inthis embodiment, however, filter tray 1871 is extended in length andincludes an inner wall that forms an auxiliary (i.e., second) airflowguide. Moreover, in this embodiment auxiliary fan/pump 1875 is coupledto base 404, rather than being disposed within filter tray 1871.Consequently, auxiliary fan/pump 1875 remains stationary when filtertray 1871 is moved between the open and closed positions, potentiallyimproving reliability and/or durability of power and/or controlconnections between auxiliary fan/pump 1875 and base 404/controller 490.Further, in this embodiment airflow guide 1873 is coupled to and/or isformed by part of base 404, as best shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. As shownin FIG. 18C, when filter tray 1871 is in the open position an edge ofinner wall 1872 and an edge of the outer wall of filter tray 1871 aredisplaced relative to corresponding parts (edges) of air flow guide1873. When filter tray 1871 is in the closed position, however, theedges of the outer wall of filter tray 1871 and inner wall 1872substantially align with corresponding parts (edges) of air flow guide1873. Consequently, when auxiliary fan/pump 1875 is operated an air flowis drawn through filter 500, through air flow guide 1873, and into anaxial inlet of auxiliary fan/pump 1875, as best shown in FIG. 18D.Auxiliary fan/pump 1875 may exhaust said air flow via a perimeter outletas also shown in FIG. 18D. Alternatively, auxiliary fan/pump 1875 mayinclude an axial inlet and an axial outlet. In such instances, base 404may be configured such that an outlet channel is provided at proximatethe axial outlet, so as to facilitate the flow of air from the axialoutlet to the outside environment. In any case, the operation of theembodiment of FIGS. 18A-18D is the same as described above for theembodiment of FIGS. 16A-16F, and therefore is not reiterated.

FIGS. 16A-18D focus on embodiments in which an auxiliary fan/pump islocated downstream of a filter 500, and is configured to draw sanitizinggas through the filter 500, e.g., during or after a sanitizingoperation. While such configurations are useful, they are not requiredand the present disclosure envisions and encompasses systems in which anauxiliary fan is located in a different position. For example, inembodiments an auxiliary fan/pump may be located upstream of the inletof the filter 500. In such instances, the auxiliary fan/pump may beconfigured to push and/or draw air and/or sanitizing gas towards theinlet of filter 500. In such instances the auxiliary fan/pump mayfacilitate the flow of air and/or sanitizing gas into the inlet offilter 500 and, ultimately, through filter 500.

FIGS. 16A-18D also focus on embodiments in which a single auxiliaryfan/pump is used. Although useful the systems of the present disclosureare not limited to the use of a single auxiliary fan/pump. Indeed thesystems may include any suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ormore) auxiliary fans/pumps, wherein the auxiliary fan(s)/pump(s) is/areconfigured and positioned to facilitate the flow of air and/orsanitizing gas through filter 500. For example, in some embodiments thesystems described herein include one or more auxiliary fans/pumpsdownstream of filter 500, and one or more auxiliary fans/pumps upstreamof filter 500. In such embodiments, the auxiliary pumps/fans mayfunction independently or in cooperation with one another to facilitatethe flow of air and/or sanitizing gas through filter 500. The fans/pumpsmay also be operated to limit or present sanitizing gas from reachingcertain components (e.g., a CPAP or other device, e.g., coupled to aconnector unit), and/or to concentrate sanitizing gas at a certain partof the system (e.g., within a sanitizing chamber, a mask, a CPAP hose,combinations thereof, and the like)

As noted above receptacle 407 may be defined at least in part by anupper seal member 431 and a lower seal member 433. In general, the upperand lower seal members 431, 433 cooperatively function to form a sealaround an intermediate portion of a hose of a medical device, such as aCPAP hose. Put in other terms, the upper and lower seal members 431, 433form a sealing system that is configured to form a seal around anintermediate portion of a hose of a medical device.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict several example sealing systems that may be usedwithin or in conjunction with receptacle 407. As shown, sealing systems600 ₁, 600 ₂, and 600 ₃ each include an upper seal member 431 and lowerseal member 433, wherein upper seal member 431 is formed at least inpart by lid seal 427, as discussed above. In each embodiment, lower sealmember 433 includes a lower seal body 603 and one or more lower sealretention members 605. The lower seal body 603 has an outer surface (notlabeled) that compliments or is conformal to an inward facing surface601 of receptacle 407.

The inward facing surface 601 includes at least one retention elementreceiver 607 (e.g., a recess, slot, groove, or the like), which isconfigured to receive lower seal retention member(s) 605. Inembodiments, retention element receiver 607 is a slot, and lower sealretention member(s) 605 is (are) configured such that they may beinserted therein and mechanically retained by the edges of the retentionelement receiver 607. In that regard, lower seal retention members 605may be formed from an elastomeric material, such that they can becompressed and inserted into retention element receiver 607. Onceinserted the lower seal retention members 605 may expand to urge againstthe edges of a corresponding retention element receiver 607, therebyretaining lower seal member 433 within receptacle 407.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, two lower seal retention elements605 and a single retention element receiver 607 are used. Such aconfiguration is not required, however, and the lower seal member 433may be retained within receptacle 407 in any suitable manner. Forexample, FIG. 6C depicts an embodiment in which lower seal member 433includes a plurality of lower seal retention members 605, which arereceivable within a corresponding plurality of retention elementreceivers 607 formed in the inner surface of receptacle 407.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6C the lower seal body 603 includes ordefines a lower seal surface 609. In operation at least a portion of thelower seal surface 609 is configured to form a seal with a lower portionof a medical device hose when lid 401 is in the closed position. Lowerseal surface 609 further includes first and second sealing fingers 611a, 611 b, as shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 6A the first and secondsealing fingers 611 a, 611 b are of different length, but such aconfiguration is not required. Indeed as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C,sealing systems 600 ₂, 600 ₃ include sealing fingers 611 a, 611 b ofequal length. Moreover, sealing fingers 611 a, 611 b may have anysuitable shape. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B depict embodiments in whichsealing systems 600 ₁, 600 ₂ include sealing fingers 611 a, 611 b havinga curvilinear shape. In contrast, FIG. 6C depicts a system 600 ₃ thatincludes sealing fingers with an “S” or “inverse S” shape.

Regardless of their number, shape, and/or configuration, sealing fingers611 a, 611 b generally function to form a seal with an upper portion ofa medical device hose disposed within receptacle 407. For example, inoperation sealing fingers 611 a, 611 b, may be compressed against anupper surface of a medical device hose when lid 401 is in a closedposition. In that condition, sealing fingers 611 a, 611 b may form aseal with an upper portion of the hose while lower seal surface 609forms a seal with a lower part of the hose.

Lower seal body 603, lower seal retention member 605, lower seal surface609, and sealing fingers 611 a, 611 b may be formed from any suitablematerial. In embodiments, each of such components is formed from thesame or different material, such as a natural or synthetic elastomericmaterial, such as a (e.g., low durometer) natural or syntheticelastomeric polymer, natural or synthetic rubber, or the like. Inembodiments, the lower seal surface and sealing fingers may beconfigured to seal around the corrugated surface of a corrugated medicaldevice hose.

FIG. 7 depicts another example of a sealing system that may be used toseal around an intermediate portion of a hose. Sealing system 700includes an upper seal member 431 and a lower seal member 433. In thisembodiment, upper seal member 431 includes an upper base 731 and aplurality of upper protuberances 732 extending from upper base 731.Likewise, lower seal member 433 includes a lower base 733 and aplurality of lower protuberances 734 extending from lower base 733.Upper base 731, upper protuberances 732, lower base 733 and lowerprotuberances 734 may be formed from any suitable material. Inembodiments, such components are formed form the same or differentmaterial, such as a natural or synthetic elastomeric polymer, natural orsynthetic rubber, and/or ozone safe materials such as silicone.

In this embodiment upper seal member 431 may form part of lid seal 427,or may be discrete from lid seal 427. In either case, upper seal member431 is (or, more particularly, upper protuberances 732 and upper base731 are) configured to engage and form a seal with an upper portion of amedical device hose when lid 401 is in a closed position.

In this embodiment lower base 733 is generally configured to complimentand/or conform to an inner surface of receptacle 407 (e.g., as describedabove in connection with lower seal body 603 of FIGS. 6A-6C). In anycase, lower seal member 433 is (or, more particularly, lowerprotuberances 734 and lower base 733 are) configured to engage and forma seal with a lower portion of a medical device hose when lid 401 is ina closed position.

FIG. 8 depicts another example of a sealing system that may be used toseal around an intermediate portion of a hose. Sealing system 800includes an upper seal member 431 that is formed by part of lid seal427, and a lower seal member 433. In this embodiment lower seal member433 includes lower outer seal 801, a lower inner seal 803, and anintermediate sealing element 807 disposed in a channel 805 between lowerouter seal 801 and lower inner seal 803. A lower outer gap 802 ispresent between opposing halves of lower outer seal 801, but may beomitted. In this context, lower outer seal 801 is an “outer seal”because it is oriented away from sanitizing chamber 403 when lower sealmember 433 is disposed within receptacle 407. Likewise, lower inner seal803 is an “inner seal” because it is oriented towards sanitizing chamberwhen lower seal member 433 is disposed within receptacle 407.

In general, lower outer seal 801, lower inner seal 803, and intermediatesealing element 807 are configured to be disposed and seal around areinforcement (e.g., a winding) of a medical device hose. For example,when lid 401 is moved to a closed position and a hose is disposed inreceptacle 407, lower outer seal 801 and intermediate sealing element807 may be disposed on opposing sides of a first reinforcement (e.g., afirst winding/winding turn) of said hose, and said intermediate sealingelement and said lower inner seal 803 may be disposed on opposing sidesof the first reinforcement or on opposing sides of a secondreinforcement of said hose (e.g. a second winding/winding turn). In suchinstances the first reinforcement may be pinched between intermediatesealing element 807 and lower outer seal 801 to form a first seal, andthe first (or second) reinforcement may be pinched between intermediatesealing element 807 and lower inner seal 803 to form a second seal.

In embodiments lower outer seal 801, lower inner seal 803, channel 805,and intermediate sealing element 807 may have a pitch that is configuredto match or substantially match a pitch of the reinforcement (e.g.,winding) of the hose. For example, in some embodiments such componentshave a helical pitch that is configured to match or substantially matcha helical pitch of a winding about a CPAP or other medical device hose.

FIG. 9A depicts another example of a sealing system that may be used toseal around an intermediate portion of a hose. Sealing system 900includes an upper seal member 431 and a lower seal member 433. The lowerseal member 433 includes a lower seal body 903, a lower seal surface 909and a lower seal edge 911. The upper seal member 431 includes an upperseal body 917, and upper seal surface 919, and an upper seal edge 921.As may be appreciated, in this embodiment upper seal member 431 is notformed by part of lid seal 427, but rather is discrete from lid seal427. Accordingly, upper seal member 431 (or, more particularly, upperseal body 917) in this embodiment may be mounted or coupled to lid 401in any suitable manner. Likewise, lower seal body 903 may be coupled toor otherwise retained within receptacle 407 in any suitable manner.

In this embodiment the lower seal edge 911 has a thickness that variesfrom its base (bottom) towards its top (left and right). Although notshown, upper seal edge 921 may have a thickness that varies similarly,albeit from the top toward the bottom (left and right) thereof. Inembodiments, the thickened portions of lower and upper seal edges 911,921 are configured to fit between and form a seal with a reinforcement(e.g., a winding) of a medical device hose, such as a CPAP hose.Consequently, at least the thickened portions of lower and upper sealedges 911, 921 may have a pitch that is configured to match orsubstantially match the pitch of a reinforcement (e.g., winding) of amedical device hose. In contrast, the thinned regions of lower and upperseal edges 911, 921 are configured to conform to the shape of the hose.

Upper and lower seal members 431, 433 of sealing system 900 furtherinclude elements that facilitate element thereof when lid 401 is movedto a closed position. In that regard, lower seal member 433 includes atleast one lower seal shoulder 913 that extends from a portion of lowerseal body 903 towards an opening extending through sealing system 900when lid 401 is in a closed position. Upper seal member 431 includes atleast one corresponding upper seal shoulder 923 that extends from aportion of upper seal body 917. At least one lower seal rib 915 extendsfrom a facing surface of lower seal shoulder 913 towards upper sealmember 431. Upper seal member further includes an upper seal groove 925formed within upper seal shoulder 923. Lower seal shoulder 913, lowerseal rib 915, upper seal shoulder 923, and upper seal groove areconfigured such that when lid 401 is in a closed position, lower sealrib 915 is disposed within upper seal groove 925, thereby aligning upperseal member 431 to lower seal member 433. Of course, otherconfigurations of sealing system 900 are also envisioned and encompassedby the present disclosure. For example, sealing system 900 may beconfigured such that a groove is formed in lower seal shoulder 913 and arib extends from upper seal shoulder.

FIGS. 9B and 9C depict another example of a sealing system that may beused in or in conjunction with receptacle 407. Sealing system 900′includes the same elements as sealing system 900, so such elements arenot described again in the interest of brevity. Like sealing system 900,sealing system 900′ is configured to form a seal around and between areinforcement (e.g., between two winding turns of a winding) of amedical device hose. In that regard, lower seal edge 911 and upper sealedge 921 each have a pitch that matches or substantially the pitch of awinding or other reinforcement of a medical device hose. Thus, when ahose is inserted into receptacle 407 and lid 401 is advanced to theclosed position, upper seal member 431 and lower seal member 433 ofsealing system 900′ each form a seal between a winding or otherreinforcement of the hose and a thin bridge section of the upper andlower seal members forms a seal against the winding/reinforcement. Thatconcept is shown in FIG. 9C, which depicts sealing system 900′ as it isused to form a seal around a hose 109. As shown, a helical reinforcementwinding 927 is disposed around hose 109. A reinforcement channel 929 ispresent between each turn of winding 927. As shown, sealing system 900′is configured such that lower seal edge 911 and upper seal edge 921 aredisposed and form a seal within a reinforcement channel 929.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict another example of a sealing system that may beused in system 400. Unlike the previous embodiments, sealing system 1000does not include discrete upper and lower seal members 431, 433. Rather,sealing system 1000 includes a unitary sealing body 1001, which may beretained within receptacle 407 in any suitable manner. For example,sealing system may include retention members 1006 that may be disposedand retained within corresponding retention element receivers in aninward facing surface of receptacle 407, e.g., in the manner discussedabove in conjunction with FIGS. 6A-6C. In this case, the unitary sealingbody 1001 is in the form of a split ring that is configured to extendaround an entire circumference of a medical device hose while allowing amedical device hose to be disposed therein, as shown in FIG. 10B.

A seal extension 1002 may extend from all or a portion of unitarysealing body 1001, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. It is noted that FIGS.10A and 10B depict an embodiment in which seal extension 1002 onlyextends from a lower portion of sealing body 1001. While such anembodiment is useful, seal extension 1002 may extend from all or otherportions of unitary sealing body 1001. In embodiments, sealing system1000 includes seal extensions 1002 that extend from the top, bottom,side(s), both the top and bottom, both sides, or both the top, bottom,and one or more sides of unitary sealing body 1001.

Seal extension 1002 is generally configured to strengthen the sealformed by sealing system 1000 when lid 401 is in the closed position. Inembodiments, an inner surface of seal extension 1002 includes aplurality of extension ridges 1003 and extension valleys 1005, whichhave a pitch that is configured to match or substantially match a pitchof a reinforcement winding around hose 109. For example, extensionridges 1003 may be disposed between the reinforcement winding (e.g.,within reinforcement channels), and the extension valleys 1005 mayreceive the reinforcement winding therein when lid 401 is in a closedposition. Further, in embodiments seal extension 1002 supports themedical device hose, e.g., to improve the seal between the hose and theupper and lower seal members without excessive flexing of the hose.

FIGS. 15A-15D depict various views of another example of a sealingsystem that may be used to seal around an intermediate portion of ahose. Sealing system 1500 includes an upper seal member 431 and a lowerseal member 433. The lower seal member includes a lower seal body 1503and a plurality of lower seal retention members 1505 that are configuredto retain the lower seal member 433 within a corresponding receptacle.Likewise, the upper seal member 431 includes an upper seal body 1517 andan upper seal retention member 1518 that is configured to retain upperseal member 431, e.g. to a lid of a sanitizing device. The lower sealbody 1503 includes a plurality of lower seal abutment surfaces 1521, andthe upper seal body 1517 includes a plurality of upper seal abutmentsurfaces 1523. The upper seal abutment surfaces 1523 may abut the lowerseal abutment surfaces 1521 when the lid of a sanitizing device is in aclosed position, resulting in the formation of a plurality of channels1525 that extend around a circumference of an opening that extendsthrough sealing system 1500.

Lower seal body 1503 further includes one or more guide ribs 1531, andupper seal member 431 further includes one or more guide surfaces 1533.In general, the guide rib(s) 1531 and guide surface(s) 1533 areconfigured to cooperate as a lid of a sanitizing system is moved to theclosed position, facilitating contact between the upper and lower sealabutment surfaces 1523, 1521, respectively, as well as alignment ofchannels 1525. That concept is best shown by comparison of FIGS. 15A,15C (which depict sealing system 1500 in a disengaged state) with FIGS.15B, 15D, which depict sealing system 1500 in an engaged state.

Upper seal body 1517 may further include one or more reinforcements1535, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15D. In general, reinforcements 1535 areconfigured to stiffen or otherwise reinforce portions of upper seal body1517, such that a sufficient sealing force may be applied to sealingsystem 1500 without collapsing or degrading the integrity of upper sealbody 1517.

In use, when sealing system 1500 is in the engaged state shown in FIGS.15B and 15D, channels 1525 are disposed around a reinforcement (e.g. awinding) of a medical device hose. In such instances the surfaces ofchannels 1525 may abut and form a seal around the reinforcement of thehose, as well as with the body of the hose between the reinforcement. Toenhance the seal, multiple channels 1525 may be used to seal aroundmultiple reinforcements, as shown in FIGS. 15A-15D. However, anysuitable number of channels (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ormore) may be used. Moreover, channels 1525 may be omitted in instanceswhere sealing system 1500 is to be used with a smooth medical devicehose, i.e., a hose that does not include an external reinforcement suchas an external winding.

FIGS. 22A-22G depict various views of another example of a sealingsystem that may be used to seal around an intermediate portion of ahose. Sealing system 2200 is shown in connection with system 1600(described later in conjunction with FIGS. 16A-16G), but it should beunderstood that sealing system 2200 may be used in other systemsconsistent with the present disclosure, including but not limited tosystems 400 and 1600. As shown, sealing system 2200 includes an upperseal member 431 and a lower seal member 433. The lower seal member 433includes a front lower lip 2201 and a rear lower lip 2205, and the upperseal member 431 includes a front upper lip 2203 and a rear upper lip2207. The upper and lower lips, 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207 are generallyconfigured to conform to and seal around the outside of a hose (e.g., aCPAP hose) inserted into receptacle 407. In that regard, the upper andlower lips, 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207 may be made from a conformable(e.g., elastomeric) material that can withstand exposure to a sanitizinggas (e.g., ozone), and which can conform to and form a gas tight sealwith the outside of a hose, such as a CPAP hose. Non-limiting examplesof suitable materials that may be used to form upper and lower sealmembers 431, 433 (or, more specifically, upper and lower lips 2201,2203, 2205, and 2207) include natural and/or synthetic polymers (e.g.,natural or synthetic rubber such as ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM) rubber, ozone resilient materials such as silicone, e.g., havinga durometer in the range of about 30 to about 60, such as from about 40to about 55, or even about 45 to 55. In embodiments the upper and lowerseal members 431, 433 (or, more specifically, upper and lower lips 2201,2203, 2205, and 2207) are formed from silicone, such as silicone with adurometer of about 40 to about 60, or even from about 45 to about 55. Inspecific embodiments, the upper and lower seal members 431, 433 (or,more specifically, upper and lower lips 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207) areeach formed from silicone having a durometer of about 45 to about 55.

As noted above, upper and lower lips 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207 aregenerally configured to conform to and seal against the outer surface ofa hose 109 inserted into receptacle 407. To facilitate such conformanceand the formation of a seal, upper and lower lips 2201, 2203, 2205,and/or 2207 may be canted at an angle relative to a plane that extendingthrough and parallel to the opening between upper and lower seal members431, 433. For example, front lower lip 2201 and front upper lip may eachbe canted away from sanitizing chamber 403 (i.e., towards the outside ofbase 404), and rear lower lip 2205 and rear upper lip 2207 may each becanted towards the interior of sanitizing chamber 403. Alternatively oradditionally, one or more slits 2209 may be formed in all or a portionof the upper and lower lips 2201, 2203, 2205, and/or 2207. When used,the slits 2209 may extend fully or partially through the thickness ofthe corresponding lips. In embodiments, a plurality of slits 2209 areprovided in each of upper and lower lips 2201, 2203, 2205, and/or 2207,and extend fully through the thickness thereof. In general, slits 2209may function to increase the flexibility of lips 2201, 2203, 2205,and/or 2207, enabling them to better conform to the outer surface of ahose. The number of slits used is not limited, and may be selected toachieve a desired flexibility for one or more of lips 2201, 2203, 2205,2007, while also maintaining the integrity of the seal formed by suchlips with a hose. Moreover, the number of slits formed in each of lips2201, 2203, 2205, and 2007 may be the same or different. For example, aone or a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, or more) slits may be formedin one or a plurality of lips 2201, 2203, 2205, 2207, wherein the numberof slits formed in each of said lips is the same or different from thenumber of slits formed in another of said lips.

Sealing system 2200 further includes a plurality of retention members2211 that are configured to retain the upper seal member 431 and/orlower seal member 433 within a corresponding receptacle 407 and/or toanother portion of a sanitizing system, such as a lid. Retention members2211 may be in the form of posts, slots, etc. which engage withcorresponding members of other portions of a sanitizing system, such asa lid or base thereof.

As best shown in FIGS. 22C and 22D, a gap G is present between the frontlower lip 2201 and rear lower lip 2205, and a similar gap is presentbetween front upper lip 2203 and rear upper lip 2207. In general, thegap G is configured allow sealing system 2200 (or, more particularly,lips 2201, 2203, 2005, 2007) to conform to the outside surface of ahose, such as a CPAP hose. For example when a hose (e.g., a CPAP hose)having an external winding is passed through receptacle 407, the GAP Gmay be configured such that one or multiple passes of the winding may bepresent therein, such that lips 2201, 2203, 2005, 2007 can abut and sealwith portions of the hose that are between one or more passes of thewinding.

As also best shown in FIGS. 22C and 22D, lower seal member 433 includesa front mounting flange 2216 and a rear mounting flange 2217, with achannel 2218 there between. In general, the front mounting flange 2216,rear mounting flange 2217, and channel 2218 are configured to engagewith edges of an opening in the base of a sanitizing system (e.g., withedges of a receptacle 407) so as to retain the lower seal membertherein. In contrast, the upper seal member 431 may be integral with orcoupled to a mounting frame 2215, which may be configured to retain (inaddition to retention members 2211) the upper seal member 431 to a lidof a sanitizing system.

In use, when sealing system 2200 is in an engaged state and a hose(e.g., a CPAP hose) is disposed through receptacle 407, lips 2201, 2203,2205, and 2207 abut and seal with the outer surface of the hose. Toenhance the seal, the lid 401 may bias the upper seal member 431 in adirection towards the hose, increasing the pressure between the hose andlips 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207.

As noted above, adequate exposure of a medical device or medical devicecomponents to a sanitizing gas is desired to ensure adequatesanitization thereof. With that in mind, portions of medical deviceswithin sanitizing chamber 403 may be in contact with the bottom, sides,or other features of the sanitizing chamber 403. For example whensanitizing chamber 403 has a flat bottom, a significant portion of thesurface area of a medical device (e.g., a CPAP mask) may rest on thatflat bottom surface. As a result, the portion of the medical device inconnect with the bottom surface may be obscured during a sanitizingoperation—potentially resulting in inadequate exposure to the sanitizinggas. Similar issues are present regarding portions of a medical devicethat contact the sidewalls of sanitizing chamber 403, other medicaldevices within sanitizing chamber 403, combinations thereof, and thelike.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present disclosure relates topositioning elements that are configured to enhance exposure of medicaldevices within sanitizing chamber 403 to a sanitizing gas. Inembodiments, such positioning elements include standoffs that areconfigured to lower or minimize the amount of surface area of a medicaldevice or component thereof that is obscured during performance of asanitizing operation. Reference is therefore made to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and11C, which depict an embodiment of system 400 that includes standoffs1101 formed on a bottom surface of sanitizing chamber 403. For clarity,FIG. 11B is a sectional view along axis X, enabling a perspective viewof standoffs 1101. FIG. 11C is a top down view depicting standoffs 1101.

As shown, standoffs 1101 are in the form of a plurality of ridges thatare disposed on or extend from a bottom of sanitizing chamber 403. Inembodiments, standoffs 1101 are in the form of ridges that extend from abase of an insert tray (not shown) that is configured to be insertedwithin sanitizing chamber 403, e.g., to rest on a bottom thereof. Inthis embodiment, standoffs 1101 are generally C-shaped, but standoffs1101 may have any suitable shape. For example, standoffs 1101 may have alinear, wavy, curvilinear, geometric, irregular, or other shape, asdesired. The thickness and surface profile of the ridges formingstandoffs 1101 may also be varied.

Of course, standoffs 1101 need not be in the form of ridges, and maytake any other suitable form. For example, standoffs may be in the formof discrete protuberances that extend from a bottom of sanitizingchamber 403 or a suitable insert tray. Alternatively, standoffs 1101 maybe specifically designed to support or cradle specific medical deviceswithin sanitizing chamber 403, while minimizing the surface area of themedical device that is obscured. For example, standoffs 1101 may be inthe form of hooks, stands, protuberances, etc. that are designed tosupport a CPAP hose or nose pillow within sanitizing chamber 403, whilelimiting and/or minimizing the surface area of such components withwhich standoffs 1101 are in contact.

The systems described herein may also include other positioning elementsthat are designed to facilitate exposure of a medical device to asanitizing gas. In that regard, system 400 may include one or moreclips, hooks, etc. that couple to a sidewall of sanitizing chamber 403and/or to lid underside 402. In such instances, such elements may beconfigured to suspend a medical device/component such as a CPAP hoseabove the bottom of sanitizing chamber 403 (i.e., such that the medicaldevice/component does not contact the bottom and/or sides of sanitizingchamber 403. In embodiments, such components (or other positioningelements) may be configured to rotate or otherwise move a medicaldevice/component within sanitizing chamber 403, facilitating exposure ofthe surfaces of the medical device/component to a sanitizing gas duringa sanitizing operation.

System 400 may be used to perform a sanitization cycle on medicaldevices in much the same manner as systems 200 and 300 described above.For clarity and ease of understanding, the performance of a sanitizationcycle on a CPAP hose and/or a CPAP reservoir will now be described.Various safety features that may be included in system 400 will bedescribed thereafter.

To perform a sanitization cycle on a CPAP device, an intermediateportion of a CPAP hose may be disposed within receptacle 407 while lid401 is in the open position, such that a distal end of the CPAP hose isdisposed within the sanitizing chamber 403. In embodiments system 400 isset up in substantially the same manner as system 200 discussed above.In such embodiments the proximal end of the CPAP hose is coupled to adistal end of a distribution line (not shown), wherein the proximal endof the distribution line is coupled to sanitizing gas outlet 453. Inother embodiments system 400 is set up in substantially the same manneras system 300 discussed above. In such embodiments the proximal end ofthe CPAP hose is coupled to a connector unit, which in turn is coupledto a reservoir of the CPAP device and a distribution line coupled tosanitizing gas outlet 453. In either configuration, a filter 500 ispresent within filter tray 471, and filter tray 471 may be positioned inthe closed position.

Lid 401 may then be advanced to the closed position, and a user mayinitiate a sanitization cycle with system 400 via user interface 411.During the sanitization cycle, the sanitizing gas supply system withinsystem 400 produces sanitizing gas, e.g., ozone. The sanitizing gas isoutput through sanitizing gas outlet 453 and into the distribution line.Depending on the configuration, the sanitizing gas flows from thedistribution line directly into the CPAP hose, or into a CPAP reservoirvia a first passageway in a connector unit, as previously described inconnection with systems 200, 300. In instances where sanitizing gas isintroduced into a reservoir, sanitizing gas will flow from the reservoirthrough a second passageway in the connector unit to the CPAP hose, aspreviously described in connection with system 300. Sanitizing gaswithin the CPAP hose will then flow into the sanitizing chamber 403. Thesanitization cycle may be allowed to continue for enough time to attaina desired level of sanitization.

During or after execution of the sanitization cycle, sanitizing gas(e.g., ozone) may convert to breathable gas (e.g., oxygen) naturally orwith the aid of filter 500. In that regard, sanitizing gas withinsanitizing chamber 403 may flow through exhaust ports 405 and intofilter inlet openings 508. While within filter 500 the sanitizing gas(e.g., ozone) encounters filter media 515, which facilitates complete orpartial conversion of the sanitizing gas to breathable gas (e.g.,oxygen). Put differently, filter 500 is configured to receive an inletflow containing a first concentration of sanitizing gas, and to producean outlet flow with a second concentration of sanitizing gas, whereinthe second concentration is less than the first concentration. Inembodiments, the second concentration is below a threshold amount ofsanitizing gas, such as less than 0.05 parts per million over a definedtime period, such as 3 to 5 hours. And in still further embodiments, thesecond concentration is zero.

In embodiments system 400 includes one or more safety features that aredesigned to hinder or prevent execution of a sanitizing operation whenthe sanitization system is in an unsafe condition. As used herein, theterm “unsafe condition” is used to describe a condition in whichsanitizing gas is leaking or will leak from system 400, and/or acondition in which there is an elevated chance that a user may beexposed to the sanitizing gas. Non-limiting examples of unsafeconditions include: 1) execution of a sanitizing operation while lid 401is in the open position; 2) opening of lid 401 while a sanitizingoperation is being performed; 3) execution of a sanitizing operationwhen a plug or hose is not present within receptacle 407 (or acorresponding port in base 404); 4) leakage of sanitizing gas throughreceptacle 407 (or a corresponding port in base 404); 5) execution of asanitizing operation while filter tray 471 is in an open position; 6)movement of filter tray 471 to the open position while a sanitizingoperation is being performed; 7) execution of a sanitizing operationwhen a filter 500 is not present in filter tray 471; 8) execution of asanitizing operation when filter 500 is an unauthorized filter; 9) thepresence of an unacceptable amount of sanitizing gas downstream offilter 500; 10) execution of a sanitizing operation while a medicaldevice (e.g., a CPAP mask) coupled to the system is being used by auser; combinations thereof, and the like.

In general the safety features include a controller and at least onesensor. The at least one sensor is configured to monitor a condition ofthe sanitization system and to output a sensor signal indicative of themonitored condition to the controller. In embodiments, one or moresensors are used to monitor: 1) a position of lid 401; 2) the presenceof a hose or plug within receptacle 407 (or a corresponding port in base404); 3) the leakage of sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) through receptacle407 (or a corresponding port in base 404); 4) the position of filtertray 471; 5) the presence of filter 500; 6) the type of filter 500; 7)the presence and/or concentration of sanitizing gas downstream of filter500; 8) use of a medical device (e.g., CPAP mask or nose pillow) coupledto the sanitization system by a user; combinations thereof, and thelike.

The controller is configured, in response to the sensor signal, todetermine whether the sanitization system is in an unsafe or safecondition. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may transmit astatus signal to an external computing system (e.g. a server) via wiredor wireless communication. The status signal may be configured to causethe external computing system to determine whether the system is in anunsafe or safe condition, and to transmit a safety signal to thecontroller. In such instances the controller may be configured todetermine whether the system is in a safe or unsafe condition based atleast in part on the safety signal.

In any case when it is determined that the sanitization system is in anunsafe condition, the controller is configured to take appropriateaction. For example, the controller may prevent initiation of asanitizing operation, stop an executing sanitizing operation, disableoperation of a sanitizing gas supply system (e.g., an ozone generator),prevent a lid and/or filter tray from being opened, combinationsthereof, and the like. The controller may also cause a warning messageor indicator to display (e.g., via a user interface), thus informing auser of the detected unsafe condition.

With the foregoing in mind, in embodiments system 400 includes acontroller 490, as best shown in FIGS. 4A, 4H and 4I. As discussedabove, controller 490 is generally configured to determine whethersystem 400 is in an unsafe condition or a safe condition, and to takeappropriate action. Any suitable current or future developed controllermay be used for that purpose. Non-limiting examples of such controllersinclude programmable controllers, application specific integratedcircuits, combinations thereof, and the like. While controller 490 isshown as included in lid 401, controller 490 may be physically locatedat any suitable location.

FIG. 12A is a block diagram of one example of a suitable controller thatmay be used in system 400. As shown, controller 490 includes a processor1201, memory 1203, communications circuitry (COMMS) 1205, a safetycontrol module (SCM) 1207 and optionally one or more sensors 1209 thatare local to or remote from controller 490. Such components may becommunicative coupled with one another via a bus 1211, as understood inthe art.

Processor 1201 may be any suitable general-purpose processor orapplication specific integrated circuit, and may be configured toexecute one or multiple threads on one or multiple processor cores.Without limitation, in some embodiments processor 1201 is ageneral-purpose processor, such as but not limited to thegeneral-purpose processors commercially available from INTEL® Corp.,ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES®, ARM®, NVIDIA®, APPLE®, and SAMSUNG®. While FIG.12A illustrates the use of a single processor 120 ₁, multiple processorsmay also be used.

Memory 1203 may be any suitable type of computer readable memory.Examples of memory types that may be used as memory 1203 include but arenot limited to: programmable memory, non-volatile memory, read onlymemory, electrically programmable memory, random access memory, flashmemory (which may include, for example NAND or NOR type memorystructures), magnetic disk memory, optical disk memory, phase changememory, memristor memory technology, spin torque transfer memory,combinations thereof, and the like. Additionally or alternatively,memory 1203 may include other and/or later-developed types ofcomputer-readable memory.

COMMS 1205 may include hardware (i.e., circuitry), software, or acombination of hardware and software that is configured to allow system400 (or, more specifically, controller 490) to transmit and receivemessages via wired and/or wireless communication. Communication betweenCOMMS 1205 and a remote device (e.g., a server, a filter, etc.) mayoccur, for example, over a wired or wireless connection using one ormore currently known or future developed communication standards. COMMS1205 may include hardware to support such communication, e.g., one ormore transponders, antennas, BLUETOOTH™ chips, personal area networkchips, near field communication chips, wired and/or wireless networkinterface circuitry, combinations thereof, and the like.

SCM 1207 is generally configured to perform safety operations consistentwith the present disclosure. In embodiments, safety operations includereceiving one or more sensor signals from one or more sensors,determining whether system 400 is in a safe or unsafe condition based atleast in part on such sensor signal(s), and issuing one or more controlsignals in response to that determination.

As used herein, the term “module” refers to software, firmware,circuitry, and/or combinations thereof that is/are configured to performone or more operations consistent with the present disclosure. Softwaremay be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instructionsets and/or data recorded on non-transitory computer readable storagemediums. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions or instructionsets and/or data that are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memorydevices. “Circuitry”, as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise,for example, singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry,programmable circuitry such as computer processors comprising one ormore individual instruction processing cores, data machine circuitry,software and/or firmware that stores instructions executed byprogrammable circuitry. Any modules described herein may, collectivelyor individually, be embodied as circuitry.

In some embodiments, one or more of the modules described herein may bein the form of logic that is implemented at least in part in hardware toperform safety operations or other operations consistent with thepresent disclosure. In embodiments, SCM 1207 is in the form of softwarethat is executable by processor 1201. Alternatively, SCM 1207 may by theform of circuitry (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit)that is configured to perform safety operations consistent with thepresent disclosure.

In embodiments SCM 1207 is configured, in response to receipt of asensor signal from a sensor, to independently determine whether system400 is in a safe or unsafe condition. Alternatively, SCM 1207 isconfigured to transmit a status signal (or, more specifically to causeCOMMS 1205 to transmit a status signal) to an external computing systemsuch as a server 1215 via wired or wireless communication. For example,controller 490 may communicate with server 1215 directly or through anetwork 1213 (e.g., a local area network, wide area network, ZIGBEE®network, etc.), as shown in FIG. 12B. In any case the status signal maybe configured to cause server 1215 (or, more specifically, a serversafety control module (SSCM—not shown)) to determine whether system 400is in an unsafe or safe condition, and to transmit a safety signal tothe controller 490. In response, controller 490 is configured todetermine whether the system is in a safe or unsafe condition based atleast in part on the safety signal. In any case when it is determinedthat the sanitization system is in an unsafe condition, the controller490 is configured to take appropriate action.

In embodiments the sanitization systems of the present disclosureinclude a lid detection sensor that enables controller 490 (or anexternal computing device) to determine a position of lid 401 prior to,during, or after execution of a sanitizing operation. In that regardreference is made to FIGS. 4C and 4D, which depict an embodiment inwhich system 400 includes a lid detection sensor 461. In general, liddetection sensor 461 functions to detect a position of lid 401 relativeto base 404. In the illustrated embodiment lid detection sensor 461 islocated on or within the lid underside 402 and proximate to closingmember 423, but lid detection sensor 461 may be positioned at anysuitable location. For example, lid detection sensor 461 may bepositioned along a peripheral edge of lid 401, base 404, or acombination thereof.

Any suitable type of sensor may be used as lid detection sensor 461.Non-limiting examples of such sensors include electro-optical (e.g.,visible, infrared, etc.) sensors, magnetic sensors, conductivitysensors, combinations thereof, and the like. In embodiments, liddetection sensor 461 is an electro-optical sensor that converts light,or a change in light, into a sensor signal. In such instances, liddetection sensor 461 may be positioned such that when lid 401 is movedfrom the open to the closed position (and vice versa), the amount oflight impinging on lid detection sensor 461 changes and causes acorresponding change in the lid detection signal output by lid detectionsensor 461. Alternatively or additionally, lid detection sensor 461 isin the form of or includes a magnetic sensor that enables detection ofthe position of lid 401 based on change in a magnetic field.

In any case, lid detection sensor 461 outputs a lid position sensorsignal to controller 490. In response to receipt of the lid positionsensor signal, controller 490 may determine whether lid 401 is in anopen position or a closed position, independently or with the assistanceof an external computing device as noted above. Controller 490 may thendetermine whether system 400 is in a safe or unsafe condition.

Prior to execution of a sanitizing operation, controller 490 maydetermine that system 400 is in an unsafe condition when lid 401 is inthe open position. In such instances, controller 490 may preventinitiation of a sanitizing operation while lid 401 is in the openposition. Controller 490 may prevent initiation of a sanitizingoperation in any suitable manner. For example, controller 490 may lockout user interface 411 when lid 401 is in the open position, thuspreventing a user from initiating a sanitizing operation via userinterface 411. Alternatively or additionally, controller 490 may issue asanitizing gas lockout signal (SGLS) that prevents a sanitizing gassupply system from generating or otherwise providing a sanitizing gas tosystem 400. For example where system 400 includes an ozone operatingsystem including an ozone generator, the SGLS may be configured todisable the ozone operating system completely, or to disable only theozone generator (e.g., allowing fans and/or pumps within the ozoneoperating system to circulate air). When it is determined that lid 401is in the closed position, however (and no other unsafe conditions aredetected), controller 490 may permit execution of a sanitizingoperation.

During execution of a sanitizing operation (or within a threshold timefollowing execution of a sanitizing operation), controller 490 maydetermine that system 400 is in an unsafe condition when lid 401 is inthe closed position. In such instances, controller 490 may prevent lid401 from being opened by a user. For example, controller 490 maytransmit a locking control signal to an electronically controllableactuator that is responsible for moving closing member 423 between anunlocked and locked position. When it is determined that system 400 isin an unsafe condition the locking control signal may cause theelectronically controllable actuator to maintain closing member 423 inthe locked position, preventing or hindering the movement of lid 401 tothe open position.

Controller 490 may later issue an unlocking control signal to moveclosing member 423 to an unlocked position. In embodiments, issuance ofthe unlocking control signal may be conditioned on the expiration of athreshold amount of time that is selected to allow enough conversion ofsanitization gas to breathable gas. Alternatively or additionally,issuance of the unlocking control signal may be conditioned on thepresence and/or concentration of the sanitizing gas within sanitizingchamber 403. In that regard system 400 may further include a sanitizinggas sensor 469 within sanitizing chamber 403, as shown in FIG. 4C. Ingeneral, sanitizing gas sensor 469 is configured to detect the presenceand/or concentration of sanitizing gas within sanitizing chamber 403.

Any suitable sanitizing gas sensor may be used as sanitizing gas sensor469. In embodiments, the sanitizing gas produced by system 400 is ozone,and sanitizing gas sensor 469 is an ozone sensor. In embodiments thesanitizing gas sensor 469 is configured to merely detect a presence ofthe sanitizing gas within sanitizing chamber 403. In other embodiments,sanitizing gas sensor 469 is configured to detect a concentration ofsanitizing gas within sanitizing chamber 403. In either case, sanitizinggas sensor 469 is generally configured to output a gas detection signalto controller 490, wherein the gas detection signal is indicative of thepresence and/or concentration of sanitizing gas within sanitizingchamber 403. In response to receipt of the gas detection signal,controller 490 may determine (independently or with the aid of anexternal computing system) whether system 400 is in a safe or unsafecondition while lid 401 is in the closed position.

In embodiments, controller 490 may determine that system 400 is in anunsafe condition when lid 401 is closed and sanitizing gas is presentwithin sanitizing chamber 403, or a concentration of sanitizing gaswithin sanitizing chamber exceeds a threshold amount. In such instances,controller 490 may issue a locking control signal to hinder or preventmovement of lid 401 to the open position, as discussed above. Controller490 may determine that system 400 is in a safe condition when lid 401 isclosed and the gas detection signal indicates that sanitizing gas iseither not present within sanitizing chamber 403, or the concentrationof sanitizing gas within sanitizing chamber 403 is below a thresholdamount. In such instance, controller 490 may permit the movement of lid401 to the open position (provided no other unsafe condition indicatingthat lid 401 should not be opened is detected), e.g., by issuing anunlocking control signal as discussed above.

In embodiments the sanitization systems of the present disclosureinclude a hose detection sensor that enables controller 490 (or anexternal computing device) to determine whether a hose or plug ispresent within receptacle 407 prior to, during, or after execution of asanitizing operation. In that regard reference is made to FIGS. 4D and4F, which depict an embodiment in which system 400 includes a hosedetection sensor 463. In general, hose detection sensor 463 functions todetect the presence or absence of a hose or plug within receptacle 407,and to output a hose detection signal. In embodiments hose detectionsensor 463 is located at the base (e.g., bottom) of receptacle 407, buthose detection sensor 463 may be positioned at any suitable location.For example, hose detection sensor 463 may be positioned on lid under102 proximate upper seal member 431, on a side of receptacle 407, or acombination thereof, as also shown in FIG. 4D.

Any suitable type of sensor may be used as hose detection sensor 463.Non-limiting examples of such sensors include electro-optical (e.g.,visible, infrared, etc.) sensors, magnetic sensors, conductivitysensors, combinations thereof, and the like. In embodiments, hosedetection sensor 463 is an electro-optical sensor that converts light,or a change in light, into a sensor signal. In such instances, hosedetection sensor 463 may be positioned such that insertion or removal ofa hose or plug from receptacle 407 changes the amount of light impingingon hose detection sensor 463, resulting in a corresponding change in thehose detection signal. Alternatively or additionally, hose detectionsensor 463 is in the form of or includes a magnetic sensor that enablesdetection of the presence of absence of a hose or plug within receptacle407 based on change in a magnetic field.

One example of a hose sensor that may be used in the present disclosureis shown in FIGS. 22A-22G and FIGS. 23A and B. As shown in such FIGS.the hose sensor includes a hose sensor bulb 2219 and a distance sensor2301. The hose sensor bulb 2219 is configured to transition from anexpanded state (shown in FIG. 23A) to a compressed state (shown in FIG.23B). In that regard hose sensor bulb 2219 may be formed from or includea resiliently flexible material, such as a natural or synthetic polymer(e.g., silicone). The hose sensor bulb 2219 may be configured andpositioned relative to receptacle 407 (or a sealing system therein) suchthat a hose facing side 2221 thereof obscures at least a portion of anopening through the receptacle/sealing system, as best shown in FIGS.22A and 22B.

As best shown in FIGS. 22G and 23A and B, the hose facing side of 2221of the hose sensor bulb 2219 may be oriented generally towards aninterior of a sanitizing chamber 403 of a sanitizing system. The hosesensor bulb 2219 further includes a sensor facing side 2223 that isoriented towards distance sensor 2301. In general, distance sensor 2301functions to sense a distance between it and the sensor facing side 2223of hose sensor bulb 2219, and to output a sensor signal indicative ofthat sensed distance, e.g., to a controller 490. When the sensor signalindicates that the sensed distance is below a threshold distance, thecontroller may determine that a hose is present within receptacle 407,and/or within a sealing system consistent with the present disclosure.

More specifically and as shown in FIG. 23A, when a hose 109 is notdisposed through a receptacle 407, hose sensor bulb 2219 may be in theexpanded state. In that state the distance D1 between the sensor facingside 2223 of the hose sensor bulb and the distance sensor 2301 may berelatively large. As shown in FIG. 23B, hose sensor bulb 2219 may bepositioned and configured such that when hose 109 is inserted throughreceptacle 407, a portion of the outer surface of hose 109 contacts thehose facing side 2221 and causes the hose sensor bulb to move to acompressed state in which the distance D2 between distance sensor 2301and the sensor facing side 2223 is relatively small. As discussed above,in operation distance sensor 2301 senses the distance between it and thesensor facing side 2223, and outputs a sensor signal indicated of asensed distance to a controller. When the sensed distance is less than athreshold distance, the controller may determine that a hose is presentwithin the receptacle 407.

Any suitable type of sensor may be used as distance sensor 2301.Non-limiting examples of such sensors include electro-optical (e.g.,visible, infrared, etc.) sensors, magnetic sensors, conductivitysensors, combinations thereof, and the like. In embodiments, distancesensor 2301 is an electro-optical sensor that converts light, or achange in light, into a sensor signal. In such instances, the sensorfacing side 2223 may be configured to enhance distance detection bydistance sensor 2301. For example, the sensor facing side may be paintedor otherwise coated with a colored and/or reflective coating, so as toenhance distance detection by distance sensor 2301.

In any case, hose detection sensor 463 outputs a hose detection signalto controller 490. In response to receipt of the hose detection signal,controller 490 may determine whether a hose or plug is present inreceptacle 407, independently or with the assistance of an externalcomputing device as noted above. Controller 490 may then determinewhether system 400 is in a safe or unsafe condition.

Prior to execution of a sanitizing operation, controller 490 maydetermine that system 400 is in an unsafe condition when the hosedetection signal indicates that a hose or plug is not present withinreceptacle 407 (i.e., the receptacle 407 is “open”). In such instances,controller 490 may prevent initiation of a sanitizing operation in anysuitable manner. For example, controller 490 may lock out user interface411 when receptacle 407 is open, thus preventing a user from initiatinga sanitizing operation via user interface 411. Alternatively oradditionally, controller 490 may issue a sanitizing gas lockout signal(SGLS) that prevents a sanitizing gas supply system from generating orotherwise providing a sanitizing gas to system 400 while receptacle 407is open. For example where system 400 includes an ozone operating systemincluding an ozone generator, the SGLS may be configured to disable theozone operating system completely, or to disable only the ozonegenerator (e.g., allowing fans and/or pumps within the ozone operatingsystem to circulate air) while receptacle 407 is open. When the hosedetection signal indicates that a hose or plug is present withinreceptacle 407 (i.e., that receptacle 407 is “closed”), however,controller 490 may permit execution of a sanitizing operation, providedthat no other unsafe condition is detected.

In embodiments the sanitization systems of the present disclosureinclude one or more sensors that enable controller 490 (or an externalcomputing device) to determine whether system 400 is in a safe or unsafecondition based on the position of filter tray 471, the presence orabsence of filter 500, and/or the use of an authorized or unauthorizedfilter. In that regard reference is made to FIG. 4H, which depicts anembodiment in which system 400 includes a tray position sensor 467. Trayposition sensor 467 generally functions in much the same manner as liddetection sensor 461, except that it outputs a tray position signal thatenables controller 490 to determine whether filter tray 471 is in anopen or closed position. In the illustrated embodiment tray positionsensor 467 is located within a recess formed in base 404 (e.g., on anoutward facing side of sanitizing chamber 403), but tray position sensor467 may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, trayposition sensor 467 may be positioned on a sidewall 472 of said recess.

Any suitable type of sensor may be used as tray position sensor 467.Non-limiting examples of such sensors include electro-optical (e.g.,visible, infrared, etc.) sensors, magnetic sensors, conductivitysensors, combinations thereof, and the like. In embodiments, trayposition sensor 467 is an electro-optical sensor that converts light, ora change in light, into a sensor signal. In such instances, trayposition sensor 467 may be positioned such that when filter tray 471 ismoved from the open to the closed position (and vice versa), the amountof light impinging on tray position sensor 467 changes and causes acorresponding change in the tray position signal. Alternatively oradditionally, tray position sensor 467 is in the form of or includes amagnetic sensor that enables detection of the position of filter tray471 based on change in a magnetic field.

In any case, tray position sensor 467 outputs a tray position signal tocontroller 490. In response to receipt of the tray position signal,controller 490 may determine whether filter tray 471 is in an openposition or a closed position, independently or with the assistance ofan external computing device as noted above. Controller 490 may thendetermine whether system 400 is in a safe or unsafe condition.

Prior to execution of a sanitizing operation, controller 490 maydetermine that system 400 is in an unsafe condition when it isdetermined that filter tray 471 is in the open position. In suchinstances, controller 490 may prevent initiation of a sanitizingoperation while filter tray 471 is in the open position. Controller 490may prevent initiation of a sanitizing operation in any suitable manner,such as described above in connection with lid detection sensor 461 andhose detection sensor 463.

During execution of a sanitizing operation (or within a threshold timefollowing execution of a sanitizing operation), controller 490 maydetermine that system 400 is in an unsafe condition while filter tray471 is in the closed position. In such instances, controller 490 mayprevent filter tray 471 from being moved to the open position. Inembodiments system 400 includes electronically controllable tray lockingcomponents (not shown) that can maintain filter tray 471 in a closed andlocked position. The tray locking components may be configured in muchthe same manner as closing member 423 and receiver 425, except that theyfunction to lock filter tray 471 in the closed position. In suchinstances, controller 490 may transmit a tray locking control signal toan electronically controllable actuator that is responsible for moving aclosing member of the tray locking components between an unlocked andlocked position. When it is determined that system 400 is in an unsafecondition the tray locking control signal may cause the tray lockingcomponents to maintain filter tray 471 in a closed and locked position,preventing or hindering the movement of filter tray 471 to the openposition.

Controller 490 may later issue a tray unlocking control signal to causethe locking components to unlock and allow filter tray 471 to be movedto the open position. In embodiments, issuance of the tray unlockingcontrol signal may be conditioned on the expiration of a thresholdamount of time that is selected to allow for enough conversion ofsanitization gas to breathable gas. Alternatively or additionally,issuance of the tray unlocking control signal may be conditioned on thepresence and/or concentration of the sanitizing gas within sanitizingchamber 403, e.g., as reported by sanitizing gas sensor 469 as discussedabove. In embodiments, controller 490 may issue the tray unlockingsignal when a sanitizing gas sensor signal issued by sanitizing gassensor 469 indicates that a sanitizing gas not present within sanitizingchamber 403, or a concentration of sanitization gas within sanitizingchamber 403 is below a threshold amount.

In embodiments controller 490 may determine that system 400 is in anunsafe condition when filter tray 471 is moved from the closed positionto the open position during execution of a sanitizing operation. Suchmovement may occur, for example, in instances where system 400 does notinclude tray locking components, and/or if system 400 includes suchcomponents but filter tray 471 is nonetheless moved to the open positionduring a sanitization cycle. In such instances, controller 490 may issuea shutdown command that is configured to discontinue an executingsanitization cycle. In embodiments, the shutdown command is configuredto cause the sanitizing gas supply system to discontinue providingand/or generating sanitizing gas. For example, the shutdown command mayturn off a sanitizing gas generator (e.g., an ozone generator) withinthe sanitizing gas supply system, and/or may disable sanitizing gassupply system completely.

In embodiments the sanitization systems of the present disclosureinclude a filter detection sensor that enables controller 490 (or anexternal computing device) to determine whether a filter 500 is presentwithin filter tray 471. In that regard it is again noted that filter 500may include communications circuitry (COMMS) 517 (as shown in FIGS. 5Aand 5B) and that controller 490 also includes COMMS 1205. Inembodiments, COMMS 517 is configured to communicate with COMMS 1205 inany suitable manner, such as via a currently known or future developedwired or wireless communication protocol. In embodiments, COMMS 517 isor includes a near field communication circuit, such as but not limitedto a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit. In such instancesCOMMS 1205 may be or include circuitry that can communicate with COMMS517 via an RFID or other near field communication protocol.

In any case COMMS 517 is configured to provide a filter detection signalto controller 490. In embodiments the filter detection signal isconfigured merely to identify a presence of filter 500 within filtertray 471. Alternatively or additionally, the filter detection signal isalso configured to enable controller 490 to determine whether filter 500is an authorized filter. In such embodiments the filter detection signalmay include a filter identifier, and controller 490 is configured todetermine (independently or with the aid of an external computingdevice) whether filter 500 is an authorized filter based at least inpart on said filter identifier. In embodiments, controller 490 maydetermine that filter 500 is an authorized filter when it determinesthat filter identifier is associated with a manufacturer of system 400,and/or an authorized manufacturer of replacement filters for system 400.

Controller 490 may determine whether filter 500 is an authorized filterin any suitable manner. For example, controller 490 may determinewhether a filter identifier within filter detection signal is presentwithin an authorized filter database stored in memory 1203.Alternatively, controller 490 may transmit a filter identificationsignal containing the filter identifier to a server 1215 (e.g.,independently or with a status signal). In response to the filteridentification signal, the server 1215 (which may be an external server)may determine whether the filter identifier is associated with amanufacturer of system 400 and/or authorized manufacturer of replacementfilters. Based on that determination the server 1215 may transmit anauthorization signal (independently or with a safety signal) tocontroller 490, wherein the authorization signal indicates that thefilter identifier is associated with a manufacturer of system 400 or anauthorized reseller of replacement filters. In such instances thecontroller 490 may determine whether the filter 500 is an authorizedfilter based at least in part on the authorization signal.

In embodiments controller 490 may determine that system 400 is in anunsafe condition when it determines that filter 500 is not presentwithin filter tray 471. Controller 490 may make such a determination,for example, based on the failure of comms 1205 to receive a filterdetection signal, e.g., before expiration of a threshold period of time.When such a determination is made prior to execution of a sanitizationcycle, controller 490 may prevent the initiation of a sanitization cyclein any suitable manner, such as described above in connection with thelid detection sensor 461, hose detection sensor 463, and tray positionsensor 467.

When such a determination is made during execution of a sanitizationcycle (e.g., when filter 500 is removed during a sanitization cycle),controller 490 may issue a shutdown command to discontinue execution ofthe sanitization cycle, as discussed above. When such a determination ismade following execution of a sanitization cycle (e.g., within athreshold time-period following an execution cycle), controller 490 maycause the issuance of a visual, auditory, or audiovisual warning signal,e.g. via user interface 411. The visual/auditory/audiovisual warningsignal may encourage a user to insert a filter cartridge into filtertray 471, and to move filter tray 471 to the closed position.

Alternatively or additionally, controller 490 may issue a shutdowncommand that is configured to halt the operation of a sanitizing gassupply system, and to halt the flow of sanitizing gas through exhaustports 405. Put differently, the controller 490 may issue commands thataim to retain the sanitizing gas within system 400 (i.e., withincomponents upstream of exhaust ports 405). Doing so may prevent a userfrom being exposed to the sanitizing gas, and provides an opportunityfor the sanitizing gas to convert to a breathable gas within componentsof system 400 that are upstream of exhaust ports 405.

In embodiments, controller 490 may also determine that system 400 is inan unsafe condition when it determines that filter 500 is present withinfilter tray 471, but is not an authorized filter. Controller 490 maymake such a determination, for example, based at least in part on afilter identifier (in a filter detection signal provided by COMMS 517)and/or an authorization signal from server 1215. When such adetermination is made prior to execution of a sanitization cycle,controller 490 may prevent the initiation of a sanitization cycle in anysuitable manner, such as described above. When such a determination ismade during execution of a sanitization cycle, however, controller 490may issue a shutdown command to discontinue execution of thesanitization cycle as discussed above.

In embodiments controller 490 may determine that system 400 is in anunsafe condition when sanitizing gas is present downstream of filter500, and/or whether a concentration of sanitizing gas downstream offilter 500 exceeds a threshold amount. In that regard reference is madeto FIGS. 4B and 4H, which illustrate an embodiment in which system 400includes a sanitizing gas sensor 460 downstream of filter 500.Sanitizing gas sensor 460 is configured to detect the presence and/orconcentration of sanitizing gas within gas flow downstream of filter500. Any suitable sanitizing gas sensor may be used as sanitizing gassensor 460. In embodiments, the sanitizing gas produced by system 400 isozone, and sanitizing gas sensor 460 is an ozone sensor.

In embodiments the sanitizing gas sensor 460 is configured to merelydetect a presence of the sanitizing gas in a gas flow downstream offilter 500. In other embodiments, sanitizing gas sensor 460 isconfigured to detect a concentration of sanitizing gas in a gas flowdownstream of filter 500. In either case, sanitizing gas sensor 460 isgenerally configured to output a filter efficacy signal (FES) tocontroller 490, wherein the FES is indicative of the presence and/orconcentration of sanitizing gas within a gas flow downstream of filter500. In response to receipt of the FES, controller 490 may determine(independently or with the aid of an external computing system) whethersystem 400 is in a safe or unsafe condition.

In embodiments controller 490 may determine that system 400 is in anunsafe condition when it determines (based at least in part on the FES)that sanitizing gas is present downstream of the filter 500, and/or aconcentration of sanitizing gas downstream of the filter 500 exceeds athreshold amount. In either case, controller 490 may take appropriateaction to maintain the safe operation of system 400. For example, whensuch a determination is made during execution of a sanitization cycle,controller 490 may issue a shutdown command that ceases execution of thesanitization cycle as discussed above.

As noted above controller 490 may disable execution of a sanitizationcycle when it is determined that a filter is not detected in filter tray471 and/or when an unauthorized filter is detected in filter tray 471.Alternatively, in some embodiments system 400 may not be configured toenable detection of the presence of filter 500 in filter tray 471,and/or may be unable to determine whether a filter within filter tray471 is an authorized filter. In such instances controller 490 may beconfigured to determine whether a filter is present in filter tray 471and is operating correctly (i.e., is converting sanitizing gas) based atleast in part on the FES provided by sanitizing gas sensor 460.

For example, when the FES indicates the presence of sanitizing gasdownstream of filter 500 (and/or a concentration of sanitizing gasexceeding a threshold level downstream of filter 500), controller 490may determine that system 400 is in an unsafe condition due to theabsence of filter 500, due to the failure of filter 500 to sufficientlyconvert sanitizing gas to breathable gas, and/or due to the use of anunauthorized filter. In such instances, controller 490 may disableexecution of a sanitizing operation as discussed above, and/or issue avisible/auditory indicator (via user interface 411) that prompts a userto insert or replace filter 500.

Likewise, controller 490 may determine that system 400 is in a safecondition even if an unauthorized filter is present in filter tray 471,based at least in part on the FES. For example, controller 490 maydetermine that filter 500 is an unauthorized filter as described above,but may permit execution of a sanitizing operation for a limited time toallow sanitizing gas sensor 460 to generate an accurate FES. In responseto receipt of the FES, controller 490 may determine whether sanitizinggas is present downstream of the filter 500, and/or is present at aconcentration exceeding a threshold amount downstream of the filter 500.If the FES indicates that sanitizing gas is not present (or does notexceed the threshold amount) downstream of filter 500, controller 490may permit execution of the sanitization cycle despite the use of anauthorized filter. Otherwise, controller 490 may disable operation ofthe sanitization cycle as discussed above.

As may be appreciated, when system 400 is used to sanitizing a CPAPdevice and is configured in the same manner as system 300 (i.e., with aconnector unit), a user may use the CPAP device while system 400 isconnected to the hose 109 (e.g., a CPAP hose) and medical device 129. Ifa sanitization cycle is executed while the CPAP device is in use, theuser may be undesirably exposed to the sanitizing gas. Accordingly, inembodiments controller 490 is configured to determine that system 400 isin an unsafe condition based at least in part on a determination that auser is using a medical device (e.g., a CPAP) coupled to system 400, andto take appropriate action in response to such a determination.

In that regard system 400 may include one or more wired or wirelesssensors that are configured to detect contact between one or morecomponents of a medical device and the skin of a user. As onenon-limiting example of such a system, reference is made to FIG. 4G,which depicts a mask 487 (e.g., a CPAP mask) coupled to a hose 109(e.g., a CPAP hose). As shown, mask 487 may be retained on a user's faceby a strap 488. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more skindetection sensors 465 are disposed on mask 487 and/or strap 488. Ingeneral, skin detection sensor 465 is configured to detect contact witha user's skin, and to output a skin contact signal indicative of thepresence or absence of skin contact to controller 490 via wired orwireless communication. Any suitable skin contact sensor may be used asskin contact sensor 465. Non-limiting examples of such sensors includeconductivity sensors, capacitive sensors, haptic sensors, combinationsthereof, and the like.

In such embodiments controller 490 may be configured to determinewhether system 400 is in a safe or unsafe condition based at least inpart on the skin contact signal. In embodiments, controller 490 maydetermine that system 400 is in an unsafe condition when skin contactsignal indicates that a portion of a medical device (e.g., mask 487,strap 488) is in contact with a user's skin. In such instances,controller 490 may execute one or more safety operations to prevent theexposure of the user to the sanitizing gas. For example, controller 490may prevent the execution of a sanitizing operation in any suitablemanner, such as via the operations described previously in connectionwith the detection of an unsafe condition by controller 490.

It is noted that FIG. 4G depicts an embodiment in which two skin contactsensors are used as skin detection sensors 465, and such sensors aredisposed on the mask 487 and strap 488 of a medical device. Such aconfiguration is not required, and the present disclosure encompassesembodiments in which any suitable number of skin contact sensors areused and are placed in any suitable location.

In embodiments, controller 490 may control operation of system 400 basedat least in part on a determination as to whether a user of system 400is or is not an authorized user. In that regard, one or more uniqueidentifiers may be associated with a user of system 400 or a componentthereof, such as filter 500. The association of the user with system 400(or a component thereof) may be maintained locally or in server 1215,e.g., in accordance with required privacy regulations such as but notlimited to the privacy requirements of the Health Insurance Portabilityand Accountability Act (HIPAA). In embodiments, server 1215 may maintaina user database (in the form of a lookup table or other data structure)that associates one or more users with system 400 or a componentthereof, such as but not limited to filter 500. For example, the userdatabase may associate a user with a system identifier that is unique tosystem 400 and is stored in memory 120 ₃. Alternatively or additionally,the user database may associate a user with a unique filter identifierthat is stored in memory of COMMS 517 and which may be provided tocontroller 490 in a filter identification signal as discussed above.

Controller 490 may determine that a user of system 400 is an authorizeduser in any suitable manner. For example, before, during, or afterinitiation of a sanitization cycle, controller 490 may transmit anidentification signal (e.g., independently or with a status signal) toserver 1215 via wired or wireless communication. The identificationsignal may include a unique system identifier, a unique filteridentifier, or a combination thereof. The identification signal isgenerally configured to cause server 1215 to determine whether a user isassociated with the unique system identifier and/or unique filteridentifier, and in some instances to determine whether that user isauthorized to use system 400.

In embodiments, server 1215 may determine whether the user is authorizedbased on a payment status indicator associated with the user and/orunique system/filter identifier in the user database. For example, auser may rent or finance system 400 from a supplier pursuant to a rentalor finance agreement that stipulates required payment terms in exchangefor use of system 400. The payment terms may specify, for example, anallowed usage period in exchange for a specified payment, payment on aper use basis, periodic payments in association with a financingagreement, combinations thereof, or the like. In such embodiments,server 1215 may associate a payment status indicator with a user and/orthe unique system identifier and/or filter identifier associated withthe user. The payment status indicator may indicate whether a user iscurrent on payments, or if payments are due on system 400 and/or filter500.

In embodiments, server 1215 is configured to determine (responsive to anidentification signal from controller 490) whether a user is authorizedto use system 400 based at least in part on the payment statusindicator. In embodiments, server 1215 may determine that a user is notauthorized to use system 400 when the payment status indicator indicatesthat payment on system 400 and/or filter 500 is due or otherwise is notcurrent. Conversely, server 1215 may determine that a user is authorizedto use system 400 when the payment status indicator indicates thatpayment on system 400 is not due (i.e., is current).

In either case, server 1215 may transmit a user authorization signal(e.g., independently or with an authorization signal) to controller 490,via wired or wireless communication, as discussed above. In response,controller 490 may determine whether the user is authorized based atleast in part on the user authorized signal. When controller 490determines that the user is not authorized, it may prevent or disablethe execution of a sanitization cycle in any suitable manner, such asthe operations described above in connection with the detection of anunsafe condition. When controller 490 determines that the user isauthorized, however, it may permit execution of a sanitization cycleprovided no other unsafe conditions are detected.

It is noted that the above discussion focuses on embodiments in which auser database is maintained on server 1215, and in which server 1215determines whether a user is authorized based on a payment statusindicator. Such a configuration is not required, however, and userdatabase may be maintained in another location. For example, userdatabase may be maintained locally in memory 1203 of controller 490. Insuch instances, controller 490 may locally maintain the payment statusindicator and determine whether a user is authorized based on thepayment status indicator without the involvement of server 1215.

Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of controllinga sanitization system. In that regard reference is made to FIG. 13,which is a flow chart of example operations of one example of asanitization system control method consistent with the presentdisclosure. As shown, method 1300 begins at block 1301. The methodproceeds to optional block 1303, pursuant to which a sanitization cycleis optionally initiated. Initiation of the sanitization cycle may beinstigated by a user via user interface 411, as discussed above.

Following the operations of block 1303 (or if such operations areomitted), the method proceeds to block 1305, pursuant to which thesanitization system is monitored for the presence of an unsafecondition. Operations pursuant to block 1305 may include, for example,monitoring one or more sensor signals with a controller as discussedabove.

The method may then proceed to block 1307, pursuant to which a decisionis made (e.g., by a controller) as to whether an unsafe condition isdetected. If not, the method loops back to optional block 1303. If anunsafe condition is detected, however, the method proceeds to block1309, pursuant to which safety operations are conducted (e.g., by acontroller). Operations pursuant to block 1305 may include, for example,any or a combination of the operations of controller 490 discussed abovein response to detection of an unsafe condition.

During or following the operations of block 1309 the method may proceedto optional block 1311, pursuant to which a decision may be made (e.g.,by a controller) as to whether the unsafe condition has been rectified.If so, the method loops back to optional block 1303. But if not, themethod proceeds to optional block 1313, pursuant to which the safetyoperation(s) of block 1309 may be maintained. The method may thenproceed to block 1315, pursuant to which a determination is made as towhether the method is to continue. If so, the method loops back tooptional block 1303, but if not, the method proceeds to block 1317 andends.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of exemplary operations of another method ofcontrolling a sanitizing system consistent with the present disclosure.As shown, the method 1400 begins with block 1401. The method thenproceeds to optional block 1403, pursuant to which a sanitization cyclemay be initiated (e.g., by a user via user interface 411).

Following the operations of block 1403 or if such operations areomitted, the method proceeds to block 1405, pursuant to which filterdetection operations may be performed (e.g., by a controller).Operations pursuant to block 1405 include, for example, determiningwhether a filter is present (e.g., within filter tray 471) and, in someinstances whether a detected filter is an authorized filter. The methodmay then proceed to block 1407, pursuant to which a determination ismade as to whether a filter is detected, and, in some instances, whetherthe detected filter is an authorized filter. If so (i.e., an (optionallyauthorized) filter is detected), the method may loop back to block 1403.

If not, however (i.e., if a filter is not detected and/or a filter isdetected but not authorized), the method may proceed to optional block1409, pursuant to which a determination is made (e.g., by a controller)as to whether an unsafe condition is detected. In embodiments theoutcome of block 1409 may be conditioned on the detection of sanitizinggas downstream of the filter, and/or detection of a concentration ofsanitizing gas downstream of the filter that exceeds a threshold amount.If sanitizing gas is not detected (or does not exceed the thresholdamount), the method may proceed from block 1409 to block 1411, pursuantto which a sanitizing operation may be permitted (provided no otherunsafe conditions are detected).

If an unsafe condition is detected (or the operations of block 1409 areomitted) however, the method may proceed to block 1413, pursuant towhich one or more safety operations is performed (e.g., by acontroller). Examples of such safety operations include any or acombination of the operations of controller 490 discussed above inresponse to detection of an unsafe condition. In any case, the methodmay proceed to block 1415, pursuant to which a determination may be madeas to whether the method is to continue. If so, the method may loop backto block 1403, but if not, the method may proceed to block 1417 and end.

The following examples are provided as additional non-limitingembodiments of the present disclosure:

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided as additional non-limitingembodiments of the present disclosure.

Example 1: According to this example there is provided a sanitizationsystem, including: a base including a sanitizing chamber, the sanitizingchamber including at least one exhaust port; a sanitizing gas generatorconfigured to supply a sanitizing gas and to fluidly couple to thesanitizing chamber; a primary fan or pump configured to push or draw atleast a portion of the sanitizing gas from the sanitizing gas generatorto the sanitizing chamber; and a secondary fan or pump configured topush or draw at least a portion of the sanitizing gas through the atleast one exhaust port.

Example 2: This example includes any or all of the features of example1, further including a filter fluidly coupled to the at least oneexhaust port.

Example 3: This example includes any or all of the features of example 1or example 2, wherein the secondary fan or pump is located upstream ofthe at least one exhaust port.

Example 4: This example includes any or all of the features of example 1or example 2, wherein the secondary fan or pump is located downstream ofthe at least one exhaust port.

Example 5: This example includes any or all of the features of example2, wherein the secondary fan or pump is located upstream of the filter.

Example 6: This example includes any or all of the features of example2, wherein the secondary fan or pump is located downstream of thefilter.

Example 7: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 1, 2, 3, and 5, wherein the secondary fan or pump isconfigured to push at least a portion of the sanitizing gas through theat least one exhaust port.

Example 8: This example includes any or all of the features of example 5or example 7, wherein the secondary fan or pump is configured to draw orpush at least a portion of the sanitizing gas through the filter.

Example 9: This example includes any or all of the features of example 4or example 6, wherein the secondary fan or pump is configured drawsanitizing gas through the filter.

Example 10: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 1 to 9, wherein the base further includes the sanitizing gasgenerator, the primary fan or pump, and the secondary fan or pump.

Example 11: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 1 to 10, further including a connector unit configured tofluidly couple with the sanitizing gas generator and the sanitizingchamber.

Example 12: This example includes any or all of the features of example11, wherein the connector unit is further configured to couple orfluidly couple to a medical device.

Example 13: This example includes any or all of the features of example11, wherein the connector unit is further configured to couple orfluidly couple to a medical device hose.

Example 14: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 1 to 10, further including a medical device and a medicaldevice hose, wherein: the connector unit includes a first connectorfluidly coupled with the sanitizing gas generator; the connector unitincludes a second connector coupled or fluidly coupled with the medicaldevice; and the connector unit includes a third connector fluidlycoupled to a proximal end of the medical device hose; and a distal endof the medical device hose is fluidly coupled with the sanitizingchamber.

Example 15: This example includes any or all of the features of example10, further including a medical device and a medical device hose,wherein: the connector unit includes a first connector fluidly coupledwith the sanitizing gas generator; the connector unit includes a secondconnector coupled or fluidly coupled with a distal end of the medicaldevice hose; the connector unit includes a third connector fluidlycoupled to the sanitizing chamber; and a proximal end of the medicaldevice hose is fluidly coupled to the medical device.

Example 16: This example includes any or all of the features of example14 or example 15, wherein the medical device is a continuous positiveairway pressure (CPAP) device and the medical device hose is a CPAPhose.

Example 17: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 14 to 16, wherein: the first connector includes a firstopening; the second connector includes a second opening; the thirdconnector includes a third opening; and the connector unit furtherincludes a first passageway, the first passageway having a firstproximal end and at least a first distal end.

Example 18: This example includes any or all of the features of example17, wherein: the first proximal end of the first passageway is definedat least in part by the first opening; and the first distal end isoriented towards the second connector or the third connector.

Example 19: This example includes any or all of the features of example17, wherein: the proximal end of the first passageway is defined atleast in part by the first opening; the first passageway furtherincludes a second distal end; the first distal end is oriented towardsthe second opening; and the second distal end is oriented towards thethird connector.

Example 20: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 17-19, wherein the second connector and the third connectorare fluidly coupled by a second passageway.

Example 21: This example includes any or all of the features of example20, wherein material of a sidewall of the first passageway is at leastpartially disposed within the second passageway.

Example 22: This example includes any or all of the features of example17 or 18, wherein: the second connector and the third connector arefluidly coupled by a second passageway; the connector unit includes afourth connector including a fourth opening; and the connector unitincludes a third passageway including a second proximal end and a thirddistal end.

Example 23: This example includes any or all of the features of example22, wherein: the second proximal end includes the fourth opening; andthe third distal end is oriented towards the second connector or thethird connector.

Example 24: This example includes any or all of the features of example2, wherein: the filter is a filter cartridge including a shell and afilter media housed within the shell; the shell includes a filter inletconfigured to fluidly couple to the at least one exhaust port; the shellfurther includes a filter outlet; and the filter media is configured toconvert the sanitizing gas to a breathable gas.

Example 25: This example includes any or all of the features of example24, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone and the breathable gas isoxygen.

Example 26: This example includes any or all of the features of example24 or example 25, wherein the filter cartridge further includes a filterinlet seal disposed around the filter inlet, the filter inlet sealconfigured to form a seal around the at least one exhaust port.

Example 27: This example includes any or all of the features of example26, wherein the filter inlet seal includes a peripheral surface and aflange that extends at an angle from the peripheral surface.

Example 28: This example includes any or all of the features of example24 or example 25, wherein: the base further includes a filter tray thatis configured to receive the filter cartridge; the filter tray ismovable between an open and a closed position; and when the filtercartridge is in the filter tray and the filter tray is in the closedposition, the filter inlet is disposed proximate the at least oneexhaust port.

Example 29: This example includes any or all of the features of example28, wherein: the filter further includes a filter inlet seal disposedaround the filter inlet; and when the filter cartridge is in the filtertray and the filter tray is in the closed position, the filter inletseal forms a seal around the at least one exhaust port.

Example 30: This example includes any or all of the features of example29, wherein the filter inlet seal includes a peripheral surface and aflange that extends at an angle from the peripheral surface.

Example 31: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 24-30, wherein the secondary fan or pump is disposeddownstream of the filter outlet.

Example 32: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 1-31, wherein the sanitizing chamber includes a bottom andat least one side, and the system further includes one or more standoffsto position at least one medical device relative to the bottom, the atleast one side, or a combination thereof.

Example 33: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 1-31, further including a controller and at least onesensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to monitor acondition of the system and to output a sensor signal indicative of themonitored condition to the controller, and the controller is configuredto permit or prevent the execution of a sanitizing operation with thesystem based at least in part on the sensor signal.

Example 34: This example includes any or all of the features of example33, wherein the at least one sensor includes: a lid detection sensorconfigured to detect a position of a lid of the system; a hose detectionsensor configured to detect a presence of a hose or plug within areceptacle of the system; a leakage sensor configured to detect leakageof sanitizing gas from the system; a tray position sensor configured todetect a position of a filter tray of the system; a filter detectionsensor configured to detect a presence of a filter of the system; or ausage sensor configured to detect use of a medical device coupled to thesystem; or a combination of two or more thereof.

Example 35: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 2 and 24-31, further including a controller and at least onesensor, wherein: the at least one sensor includes a filter detectionsensor configured to detect the filter and to output a filter detectionsignal; and the controller is configured to determine whether the filteris an authorized filter based at least in part on the filter detectionsignal.

Example 36: This example includes any or all of the features of example35, wherein the controller is configured to prevent or discontinueexecution of a sanitizing cycle when it is determined that the filter isan unauthorized filter.

Example 37: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 2 and 24-31, further including a controller and at least onesensor, wherein: the at least one sensor includes a filter detectionsensor configured to detect the filter and to output a filter detectionsignal; and the controller is configured to determine whether the filteris present based at least in part on the filter detection signal.

Example 38: This example includes any or all of the features of example37, wherein the controller is configured to prevent or discontinueexecution of a sanitizing cycle when it is determined that the filter isnot present.

Example 39: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 2 and 24-31, further including a controller and at least onesensor, wherein: the at least one sensor includes a sanitizing gassensor configured to detect a presence of the sanitizing gas downstreamof the filter, and to output a filter efficacy signal (FES); and thecontroller is configured to determine whether sanitizing gas is presentdownstream of the filter based at least in part on the FES.

Example 40: This example includes any or all of the features of example39, wherein the controller is configured to prevent or discontinueexecution of a sanitizing cycle when it is determined that sanitizinggas is present downstream of the filter.

Example 41: This example includes any or all of the features of example39, wherein the controller is further configured to determine aconcentration of the sanitizing gas downstream of the filter based atleast in part on the FES, and to prevent or discontinue execution of asanitizing cycle when it is determined that the concentration of thesanitizing gas downstream of the filter is greater than or equal to athreshold concentration.

Example 42: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 28-31, further including a controller and at least onesensor, wherein: the at least one sensor includes a tray position sensorconfigured to detect a position of the filter tray and to output a trayposition signal; and the controller is configured to determine whetherthe filter tray is in the open position or the closed position based atleast in part on the tray position signal.

Example 43: This example includes any or all of the features of example42, wherein the controller is configured to prevent or discontinueexecution of a sanitizing cycle when it is determined that the tray isin the open position.

Example 44: This example includes any or all of the features of example33, further including a lid, wherein: the lid is movable between an openposition and a closed position, wherein in the open position the lidpermits access to the sanitizing chamber; the at least one sensorincludes a lid detection sensor configured to detect a position of thelid and to output a lid position signal; and the controller isconfigured to determine whether the lid is in the open position or theclosed position based at least in part on the lid position signal.

Example 45: This example includes any or all of the features of example44, wherein the controller is configured to prevent or discontinueexecution of a sanitizing cycle when it is determined that the lid is inthe open position.

Example 46: This example includes any or all of the features of example33, further including a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of ahose of a medical device, wherein: the at least one sensor includes ahose detection sensor configured to detect a presence or coupling of themedical device hose in or with the receptacle and to output a hosedetection signal; and the controller is configured to determine whetherthe hose is present within the receptacle or coupled to the receptaclebased at least in part on the hose detection signal.

Example 47: This example includes any or all of the features of example46, wherein the controller is configured to prevent or discontinueexecution of a sanitizing cycle when it is determined that the hose isnot present within or coupled to the receptacle.

Example 48: This example includes any or all of the features of example33, further including a lid and a receptacle for receiving at least aportion of a hose of a medical device, wherein: the lid is movablebetween an open position and a closed position, wherein in the openposition the lid permits access to the sanitizing chamber; the at leastone sensor includes a lid detection sensor configured to detect aposition of the lid and to output a lid position signal; the at leastone sensor further includes a hose detection sensor configured to detecta presence or coupling of the medical device hose in or with thereceptacle and to output a hose detection signal; the controller isconfigured to determine to determine whether the lid is in the openposition or the closed position based at least in part on the lidposition signal; and the controller is further configured to determinewhether the hose is present within the receptacle or coupled to thereceptacle based at least in part on the hose detection signal.

Example 49: This example includes any or all of the features of example33, wherein: the at least one sensor includes a skin contact sensorconfigured to output a skin contact signal; the controller is configuredto determine whether a component of the medical device is in contactwith skin of a user of a medical device coupled to the system based atleast in part on the skin contact signal; and the controller isconfigured to prevent or discontinue execution of a sanitizing cyclewhen it is determined that the component of the medical device is incontact with skin of the user.

Example 50: According to this example there is provided a method ofsanitizing, including: generating sanitizing gas with a sanitizing gasgenerator; with a primary fan or pump, pushing or drawing at least aportion of the sanitizing gas from the sanitizing gas generator to asanitizing chamber in a base, the sanitizing chamber including at leastone exhaust port; with a secondary fan or pump, pushing or drawing atleast a portion of the sanitizing gas through the at least one exhaustport.

Example 51: This example includes any or all of the features of example50, wherein the secondary fan or pump is located upstream of the atleast one exhaust port.

Example 52: This example includes any or all of the features of example50, wherein the secondary fan or pump is located downstream of the atleast one exhaust port.

Example 53: This example includes any or all of the features of example50, wherein a filter is fluidly coupled to the at least one exhaustport, and the secondary fan or pump is located upstream of the filter.

Example 54: This example includes any or all of the features of example50, wherein a filter is fluidly coupled to the at least one exhaustport, and the secondary fan or pump is located downstream of the filter.

Example 55: This example includes any or all of the features of example51, wherein the method further includes pushing at least a portion ofthe sanitizing gas through the at least one exhaust port with thesecondary fan or pump.

Example 56: This example includes any or all of the features of example51, wherein the method further includes drawing at least a portion ofthe sanitizing gas through the at least one exhaust port with the secondfan or pump.

Example 57: This example includes any or all of the features of example51 or 52, wherein the method further includes drawing at least a portionof the sanitizing gas through the filter.

Example 58: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 50 to 57, wherein the base further includes the sanitizinggas generator, the primary fan or pump, and the secondary fan or pump.

Example 59: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 50 to 58, wherein a connector unit is fluidly coupled to thesanitizing gas generator and the sanitizing chamber, and the methodfurther includes receiving at least a portion of the sanitizing gas inthe connector unit, and flowing at least a portion of the sanitizing gasfrom the connector unit into the sanitizing chamber.

Example 60: This example includes any or all of the features of example59, wherein the connector unit is coupled or fluidly coupled to amedical device.

Example 61: This example includes any or all of the features of example59, wherein the connector unit is fluidly coupled to one end of amedical device hose, and the method further comprise flowing at least aportion of the sanitizing gas from the connector unit into the medicaldevice hose.

Example 62: This example includes any or all of the features of example59, wherein: the connector unit includes a first connector fluidlycoupled with the sanitizing gas generator; the connector unit includes asecond connector coupled or fluidly coupled with a medical device; theconnector unit includes a third connector fluidly coupled to a proximalend of a medical device hose; and a distal end of the medical devicehose is fluidly coupled with the sanitizing chamber.

Example 63: This example includes any or all of the features of example59, wherein: the connector unit includes a first connector fluidlycoupled with the sanitizing gas generator; the connector unit includes asecond connector coupled or fluidly coupled with a distal end of amedical device hose; the connector unit includes a third connectorfluidly coupled to the sanitizing chamber; and a proximal end of themedical device hose is fluidly coupled to a medical device.

Example 64: This example includes any or all of the features of example62 or example 63, wherein the medical device is a continuous positiveairway pressure (CPAP) device and the medical device hose is a CPAPhose.

Example 65: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 62 to 64, wherein: the first connector includes a firstopening; the second connector includes a second opening; the thirdconnector includes a third opening; the connector unit further includesa first passageway, the first passageway having a first proximal end andat least a first distal end; and the method includes flowing at least aportion of the sanitizing gas through the first passageway.

Example 66: This example includes any or all of the features of example65, wherein: the first proximal end of the first passageway is definedat least in part by the first opening; and the first distal end isoriented towards the second connector or the third connector.

Example 67: This example includes any or all of the features of example65, wherein: the proximal end of the first passageway is defined atleast in part by the first opening; the first passageway furtherincludes a second distal end; the first distal end is oriented towardsthe second opening; and the second distal end is oriented towards thethird connector.

Example 68: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 65 to 67, wherein the second connector and the thirdconnector are fluidly coupled by a second passageway, and the methodfurther includes flowing at least a portion of the sanitizing gas withinthe second passageway.

Example 69: This example includes any or all of the features of example68, wherein material of a sidewall of the first passageway is at leastpartially disposed within the second passageway.

Example 70: This example includes any or all of the features of example65 or 66, wherein: the second connector and the third connector arefluidly coupled by a second passageway; the connector unit includes afourth connector including a fourth opening; the connector unit includesa third passageway including a second proximal end and a third distalend; and the method further includes flowing at least a portion of theozone gas through the third passageway.

Example 71: This example includes any or all of the features of example70, wherein: the second proximal end includes the fourth opening; andthe third distal end is oriented towards the second connector or thethird connector.

Example 72: This example includes any or all of the features of example53, wherein: the filter is a filter cartridge including a shell and afilter media housed within the shell; the shell includes a filter inletconfigured to fluidly couple to the at least one exhaust port; the shellfurther includes a filter outlet; and the method further includesconverting at least a portion of the sanitizing gas to breathable gaswith the filter media.

Example 73: This example includes any or all of the features of example72, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone and the breathable gas isoxygen.

Example 74: This example includes any or all of the features of example72 or 73, wherein the filter cartridge further includes a filter inletseal disposed around the filter inlet, and the method further includesforming a seal around the at least one exhaust port with the filterinlet seal.

Example 75: This example includes any or all of the features of example74, wherein the filter inlet seal includes a peripheral surface and aflange that extends at an angle from the peripheral surface.

Example 76: This example includes any or all of the features of example72 or 73, wherein: the base further includes a filter tray that isconfigured to receive the filter cartridge; the filter tray is movablebetween an open and a closed position; and when the filter cartridge isin the filter tray and the filter tray is in the closed position, thefilter inlet is disposed proximate the at least one exhaust port.

Example 77: This example includes any or all of the features of example76, wherein: the filter further includes a filter inlet seal disposedaround the filter inlet; and the method further includes forming a sealaround the at least one exhaust port with the filter inlet seal when thefilter cartridge is in the filter tray and the filter tray is in theclosed position.

Example 78: This example includes any or all of the features of example77, wherein the filter inlet seal includes a peripheral surface and aflange that extends at an angle from the peripheral surface.

Example 79: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 72 to 78, wherein the secondary fan or pump is disposeddownstream of the filter outlet.

Example 80: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 50 to 79, wherein the sanitizing chamber includes a bottomand at least one side, and the method further includes positioning, withat least one standoff, a component of a medical device relative to thebottom, the at least one side, or a combination thereof.

Example 81: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 50 to 80, wherein the method further includes: monitoring,with at least one sensor, a condition of the system and outputting asensor signal indicative of the monitored condition to a controller; andwith the controller, permitting or preventing generation of thesanitizing gas by the sanitizing gas generator based at least in part onthe sensor signal.

Example 82: This example includes any or all of the features of example81, wherein the at least one sensor includes: a lid detection sensorconfigured to detect a position of a lid of the system; a hose detectionsensor configured to detect a presence of a hose or plug within areceptacle of the system; a leakage sensor configured to detect leakageof sanitizing gas from the system; a tray position sensor configured todetect a position of a filter tray of the system; a filter detectionsensor configured to detect a presence of a filter of the system; ausage sensor configured to detect use of a medical device coupled to thesystem; or a combination of two or more thereof.

Example 83: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 51 and 72 to 79, further including: monitoring for thefilter with at least one filter detection sensor and outputting a filterdetection signal; and determining, with a controller, whether the filteris an authorized filter based at least in part on the filter detectionsignal.

Example 84: This example includes any or all of the features of example83, wherein when it is determined that the filter is an unauthorizedfilter, the method further includes preventing or disabling generationof the sanitizing gas by the sanitizing gas generator with thecontroller.

Example 85: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 51 and 72-79, wherein the method further includes:monitoring for the filter with at least one filter detection sensor andoutputting a filter detection signal; and determining, with acontroller, whether the filter is present based at least in part on thefilter detection signal.

Example 86: This example includes any or all of the features of example85, wherein when it is determined that the filter is not present, themethod further includes preventing or disabling generation of thesanitizing gas by the sanitizing gas generator with the controller.

Example 87: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 51 and 72 to 79, wherein the method further includes:monitoring for a presence of the sanitizing gas downstream of the filterwith a sanitizing gas sensor and outputting a filter efficacy signal(FES); and determining, with a controller, whether sanitizing gas ispresent downstream of the filter based at least in part on the FES.

Example 88: This example includes any or all of the features of example87, wherein when it is determined that sanitizing gas is presentdownstream of the filter, the method further includes preventing ordisabling generation of the sanitizing gas by the sanitizing gasgenerator with the controller.

Example 89: This example includes any or all of the features of example87, further including, with the controller: determining a concentrationof the sanitizing gas downstream of the filter based at least in part onthe FES; and preventing or disabling generation of the sanitizing gas bythe sanitizing gas generator when it is determined when it is determinedthat the concentration of the sanitizing gas downstream of the filter isgreater than or equal to a threshold concentration.

Example 90: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 76 to 79, further including: monitoring a position of thefilter tray with a tray position sensor and outputting a tray positionsignal; and determining, with a controller, whether the filter tray isin the open position or the closed position based at least in part onthe tray position signal.

Example 91: This example includes any or all of the features of example90, wherein when it is determined that the filter tray is in the openposition, the method further includes preventing or disabling generationof the sanitizing gas by the sanitizing gas generator with thecontroller.

Example 92: This example includes any or all of the features of example81, wherein the base further includes a lid that is movable between anopen and a closed position, and the method further includes: monitoringa position of the lid with a lid detection sensor and outputting a liddetection signal; and determining, with a controller, whether the lid isin the open position or the closed position based at least in part onthe lid position signal.

Example 93: This example includes any or all of the features of example92, wherein when it is determined that the lid is in the open position,the method further includes preventing or disabling generation of thesanitizing gas by the sanitizing gas generator with the controller.

Example 94: This example includes any or all of the features of example81, wherein: the monitoring includes monitoring for contact of acomponent of medical device with skin of a user with skin contactsensor, and outputting a skin contact signal; and the method furtherincludes determining, with the controller, whether the component of themedical device is in contact with skin of the user based at least inpart on the skin contact signal.

Example 95: This example includes any or all of the features of example94, wherein the controller prevents generation of the sanitizing gas bythe sanitizing gas generator when it is determined that the component ofthe medical device is in contact with skin of the user.

Example 96: According to this example there is provided a connector unitfor a medical device, including: a first connector; a second connector;a third connector; a first passageway including a first proximal end andat least a first distal end, the first passageway including a firstinlet including a first opening in the first connector; a secondpassageway extending between a second opening in the second connectorand a third opening in the third connector; wherein the first passagewayis configured to permit sanitizing gas to flow there through at a flowvolume ranging from about 1 to about 2 liters per minute (LPM) at a flowvelocity in a range of about 14 to about 60 meters/second (m/s).

Example 97: This example includes any or all of the features of example96, wherein the first passageway is configured to permit sanitizing gasto flow at a flow volume ranging from about 1.2 to about 1.5 liters perminute (LPM) at a flow velocity in a range of about 17 to about 50meters/second (m/s).

Example 98: This example includes any or all of the features of example95 or 96, wherein the first distal end is oriented towards the thirdconnector.

Example 99: This example includes any or all of the features of example95 or 96, wherein the first passageway further includes a second distalend.

Example 100: This example includes any or all of the features of example99, wherein the first distal end is oriented towards the third connectorand the second distal end is oriented towards the second connector.

Example 101: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 96 to 100, wherein the first connector is configured tofluidly couple to an ozone distribution line.

Example 102: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 96 to 101, wherein the second connector is configured tofluidly couple to the medical device.

Example 103: This example includes any or all of the features of example102, wherein the medical device is a continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) device.

Example 104: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 96 to 103, wherein the third connector is configured tofluidly couple to a proximal end of medical device hose.

Example 105: This example includes any or all of the features of example104, wherein the medical device hose is a continuous positive airwaypressure (CPAP) hose.

Example 106: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 96 to 101, wherein the second connector is configured tofluidly couple to a distal end of a medical device hose.

Example 107: This example includes any or all of the features of example106, wherein the medical device hose is a continuous positive airwaypressure (CPAP) hose.

Example 108: This example includes any or all of the features ofexamples 96 to 101, 106, and 107, wherein the third connector isconfigured to couple with a base including a sanitizing chamber.

Example 109: This example includes any or all of the features of example96, further including a fourth connector and a third passagewayincluding a second proximal end and a second distal end.

Example 110: This example includes any or all of the features of example109, wherein the first distal end is oriented towards the thirdconnector and the second distal end is oriented towards the secondconnector.

Example 111: This example includes any or all of the features of example109 or 110, wherein the first connector is configured to fluidly coupleto an ozone distribution line.

Example 112: This example includes any or all of the features of example109 or 110, wherein the second connector is configured to fluidly coupleto the medical device.

Example 113: This example includes any or all of the features of example112, wherein the medical device is a continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) device and the medical device hose is a CPAP hose.

Example 114: This example includes any or all of the features of example109 or 110, wherein the third connector is configured to fluidly coupleto a proximal end of medical device hose.

Example 115: This example includes any or all of the features of example109 or 110, wherein the second connector is configured to fluidly coupleto a distal end of a medical device hose.

Example 116: This example includes any or all of the features of example115, wherein the medical device hose is a continuous positive airwaypressure (CPAP) hose.

Example 117: According to this example there is provided a filter for asanitizing system, including: a filter shell including a top, bottom,front, back, a first side, and a second side; a filter media housedwithin the filter shell; at least one inlet opening positioned proximatethe top of the filter shell, the at least one inlet opening configuredto permit a gas inflow; at least one outlet opening positioned proximatethe bottom of the filter shell, the at least one outlet openingconfigured to permit a gas outflow; and an inlet seal disposed aroundthe at least one inlet opening.

Example 118: This example includes any or all of the features of example117, wherein the filter has a first width W1 proximate the top of thefilter and a second width proximate the bottom of the filter, wherein W1differs from W2.

Example 119: This example includes any or all of the features of example118, wherein W2 is less than W1.

Example 120: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 117 to 119, further including a shoulder between the top ofthe filter and at least one of the front, first side, second side, andback of the filter.

Example 121: This example includes any or all of the features of example120, wherein: the top of the filter includes a first peripheral edge;the shell includes a second peripheral edge that extends around thefront, first side, second side, and back of the filter; and the shoulderis defined at least in part by a portion of the first peripheral edgethat extends past one or more than one of the top of the filter and atleast one of the front, first side, second side, and back of the filter.

Example 122: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 117 to 121, wherein the at least one filter outlet openingincludes a plurality of slots.

Example 123: This example includes any or all of the features of example122, wherein the plurality of slots are formed in one or a combinationof the back of the filter, the front of the filter, or the bottom of thefilter.

Example 124: This example includes any or all of the features of example122, wherein the slots are defined at least in part by teeth in thelower part of a wall of the back and bottom of the filter.

Example 125: This example includes any or all of the features ofexamples 117 to 124, wherein the filter shell includes a first piece,wherein the first piece forms a first part of the top, bottom, front,first side, second side, and back of the filter, and the second pieceforms a second part of the top, bottom, front, first side, second side,and back of the filter, and the first and second parts are coupledtogether.

Example 126: This example includes any or all of the features of example125, wherein the first and second parts are coupled by an interferencefit connection, press fit connection, at least one mechanical fastener,an adhesive, or a combination thereof.

Example 127: This example includes any or all of the features of example125, wherein: the first piece includes at least one finger that extendsfrom the first part of the first side, second side, or both the firstand second sides; the second piece includes at least one recessconfigured to receive the at least one finger; and the first and secondpieces are coupled together at least in part by mechanical engagement ofthe at least one finger with the at least one recess.

Example 128: This example includes any or all of the features of any oneof examples 117 to 127, further including communications circuitry,wherein the communications circuitry is configured to communicate with acontroller via wired communication, wireless communication, or acombination thereof.

Example 129: This example includes any or all of the features of example129, wherein the communication circuitry is configured to transmit afilter identifier to the controller.

Example 130: This example includes any or all of the features of example131, wherein the filter identifier is indicative of whether the filteris an authorized filter.

Example 131: This example includes any or all of the features of

As used herein, the term “about” when used in reference to a value or arange means +/−5% of the value or the end points of the range.

As used herein, the term “fluidly coupled” when used in reference to twoor more components means that a gas may flow between the indicatedcomponents, either directly or indirectly. In contrast, the term“coupled” when used in reference to two or more components means thatthe indicated components may are physically coupled to one another,either directly or through or more intervening components. Componentsthat are coupled to one another may or may not also be fluidly coupledto one another.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used asterms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention,in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalentsof the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it isrecognized that various modifications are possible within the scope ofthe present disclosure and the ensuing claims. Accordingly, the claimsare intended to cover all such equivalents.

What is claimed, is:
 1. A sanitization system, comprising: a lidconfigured to transition between an open lid position and a closed lidposition; a base comprising a sanitizing chamber, the sanitizing chambercomprising an opening and at least one exhaust port, wherein the lid isconfigured to extend across the opening when the lid is in the closedposition; a sanitizing gas generator configured to supply a sanitizinggas and to fluidly couple to the sanitizing chamber; a primary fan orpump configured to push or draw at least a portion of said sanitizinggas from the sanitizing gas generator to the sanitizing chamber; and asecondary fan or pump configured to push or draw gas within thesanitizing chamber through the at least one exhaust port and outside ofthe sanitizing chamber when the lid is in the closed lid position;wherein: the base further comprises a filter tray that is configured toreceive a filter therein, the filter comprising a filter inlet; thefilter tray is movable between an open tray position and a closed trayposition; and in the closed tray position, the filter tray is configuredto position the filter such that the filter inlet is in fluidcommunication with the at least one exhaust port.
 2. The sanitizationsystem of claim 1, further comprising said filter.
 3. The sanitizationsystem of claim 2, wherein the filter is a filter cartridge comprising ashell and a filter media housed within the shell, the shell comprisingsaid filter inlet and a filter outlet.
 4. The sanitization system ofclaim 3, wherein when said filter cartridge is received by said filtertray, the secondary fan or pump is located upstream of said filterinlet.
 5. The sanitization system of claim 3, wherein when said filtercartridge is received by said filter tray, the secondary fan or pump islocated downstream of said filter outlet.
 6. The sanitization system ofclaim 2, wherein when said filter is received by said filter tray, thesecondary fan or pump is located upstream of said filter.
 7. Thesanitization system of claim 2, wherein when said filter is received bysaid filter tray, the secondary fan or pump is located downstream ofsaid filter.
 8. The sanitization system of claim 7, wherein thesecondary fan or pump is configured draw sanitizing gas through saidfilter.
 9. The sanitization system of claim 2, wherein said filtercartridge comprises a filter inlet seal disposed around said inlet. 10.The sanitization system of claim 9, wherein the filter inlet sealcomprises a peripheral surface and a flange that extends at an anglefrom the peripheral surface.
 11. The sanitization system of claim 1,wherein said sanitizing gas generator, said primary fan or pump, andsaid secondary fan or pump are housed within said base.
 12. Thesanitization system of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a filtermedia that is configured to convert the sanitizing gas to a breathablegas.
 13. The sanitization system of claim 12, wherein the sanitizing gasis ozone and the breathable gas is oxygen.
 14. The sanitization systemof claim 1, further comprising a controller and at least one sensor,wherein the at least one sensor is configured to monitor a condition ofthe system and to output a sensor signal indicative of the monitoredcondition to the controller, and the controller is configured to permitor prevent execution of a sanitizing operation with said system based atleast in part on said sensor signal.
 15. The sanitization system ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one sensor includes: a lid detectionsensor configured to detect a position of the lid of said sanitizingchamber; a tray position sensor configured to detect a position of thefilter tray; a filter detection sensor configured to detect the filterof said system; or a combination of two or more thereof.
 16. Thesanitization system of claim 15, wherein: the at least one sensorcomprises a filter detection sensor configured to detect said filter andto output a filter detection signal; the controller is configured todetermine whether said filter is an authorized filter based at least inpart on said filter detection signal; and said controller is configuredto permit, prevent, or discontinue execution of a sanitizing operationby said sanitization system based at least in part on said filterdetection signal.
 17. The sanitization system of claim 16, wherein saidfilter comprises communications circuitry, and said filter detectionsensor is configured to produce said filter detection signal based oncommunication with said communications circuitry.
 18. The sanitizationsystem of claim 17, wherein said communications circuitry is configuredto wirelessly communicate with said filter detection sensor.
 19. Thesanitization system of claim 15, wherein: the at least one sensorincludes a tray position sensor configured to detect a position of saidfilter tray and output a filter tray detection signal; the controller isconfigured to detect a position of said filter tray based at least inpart on said filter tray detection signal; and said controller isconfigured to permit, prevent or discontinue execution of a sanitizingcycle by said sanitization system based at least in part on the detectedposition of said filter tray.